Transfer Talk Manchester United rebuff Barcelona Coutinho proposal prefer De Jong

The summer transfer window was unlike any other, see all the major deals and check out how we graded the biggest signings. And just because the window is shut until January, that doesn’t mean the rumours won’t keep coming. Here’s the latest gossip and speculation.

TOP STORY: Man Utd want De Jong, not Coutinho

Manchester United have no interest in signing Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona and want Frenkie De Jong instead, according to El Nacional.

When travelling to discuss a potential move for Ferran Torres with Manchester City, Barca president Joan Laporta is said to have also met with United bosses.

He had initially hoped to offload Coutinho, whom Xavi Hernandez is not keen on, but the Red Devils have reportedly said that they don’t want the Brazilian.

While Edinson Cavani was also a topic of discussion, United were keen to express their desire to bring in De Jong.

It is felt that the Netherlands international would suit the playing style of new boss Ralf Rangnick, but United’s opening offer of €55 million is one that the Blaugrana would not even consider accepting. This point is accentuated by the fact De Jong joined Barca for €86m and currently has a contract that runs until 2026.

Therefore, the Catalan club is not willing to even negotiate until the Red Devils make an offer in excess of €70m.

Despite setting that threshold for negotiations, Barcelona do not intend to offload De Jong, with Xavi seeing him as an integral player as he looks to build the side.

However, the club’s financial situation means Laporta will study all of the offers that come his way.

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