Barcelona president Joan Laporta has aimed a dig at Manchester United while greeting fans in the USA, in the week that reports emerged suggesting talks between the clubs over a move for Frenkie de Jong have resumed.
Long linked with a move to Old Trafford, De Jong fits the profile of what Erik ten Hag is looking for to improve his midfield. It is understood the Dutch midfielder, currently at Barcelona, is still a potential option to reinforce the squad.
De Jong has history with Ten Hag from their Ajax days and were close to being reunited before his move to the Spanish giants. Reports in Spain (via Football 365) have claimed United are back in for the midfielder and have 'resumed talks' to get a deal over the line.
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It has been suggested that Ten Hag and Laporta have 'closed the deal' for the Netherlands international. However, there is no mention of how much has been agreed, though there is a 'complete understanding between the two parties involved.'
It is claimed Barca are 'totally willing to allow him to leave' and a £67million fee has been mentioned. The Spanish giants need to offload players to make signings. But from the player's side it is said that he's not particularly keen on a move to Old Trafford, having previously rejected a move.
Having travelled to the United States for their pre-season tour, Laporta was seen engaging with supporters. Among a group of Barca fans, there was a teenager wearing the United shirt.
Before posing for a picture, Laporta joked: "Throw that shirt away, please!"
The Blaugrana will play three friendly fixtures over the course of the next couple of weeks against Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan, with De Jong part of the 32-man squad.
Ten Hag's team meanwhile, have two more friendly games in the U.S. against Real Betis (Thursday, 12:30am) and Liverpool (Sunday, 12:30am).