MANCHESTER UNITED may miss out on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong because of ‘bad weather’ in the city.
United, eyeing a midfield overhaul, have been linked with a move for De Jong after he was reportedly put up for sale by Barcelona.
De Jong’s dad, John, has confirmed that the five ‘top’ European clubs have enquired about the 24-year-old, including Bayern Munich.
However, he hinted that the cold weather in both Manchester and Munich could put his son off from leaving sunny Spain.
He told Dutch outlet AD: “It’s often bad weather there. Of course it’s about football, but it does matter.
“Of course I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon.
“Although, the five top European clubs have all called.”
De Jong is yet to really hit top gear at Camp Nou since his £65million move from Ajax in 2019, and is thought to no longer be considered ‘untouchable’ by Barcelona.
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United have previously been linked with a £47million move for De Jong with the Spanish giants desperate for cash.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano though claims negotiations are yet to get underway.
Barcelona boss Xavi has also poured cold water over a potential move for De Jong.
He told reporters: “Our goal is for Frenkie to be happy here.
“We desperately need that type of player. He is definitely not in the shop window, rather the opposite. The idea is to make him stronger here.”
But with the club desperately short on funds a big money offer would be hard to turn down.
Especially with the club having to rely on loan moves and free transfers to currently sign players.
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