Frenkie de Jong 'clears out Barcelona locker amid Manchester United talks'

Frenkie de Jong has reportedly cleared out his locker at Barcelona, as the midfielder continues to be strongly linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

The 20-time English champions are said to be in discussions with the Catalan giants over a possible deal for the Netherlands international.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man United recently made a verbal bid for the midfielder, offering €60m (£52m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, but Barcelona want an €85m (£73.8m) guaranteed fee.

De Jong has been speaking about his future over the recent international break, and he said that he would "prefer to stay with Barcelona" during this summer's transfer window.

"I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice," the Netherlands international told ESPN.

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Meanwhile, last week, the midfielder said that there was "no news" to bring on his future, but he was already at "the biggest club in the world".

"You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player," De Jong told reporters. "But I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and feel fine there so there is no news."

The 25-year-old is now said to be open to a reunion with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, though, with Man United believed to be confident that an agreement can be reached.

De Jong still has more than four years left to run on his contract, while he was again a key player for Barcelona last term, scoring four goals and registering five assists in 46 appearances, but the Catalan outfit could be forced into a sale due to their financial problems.

According to AS, the Dutchman has now cleared out his locker at the club, fuelling suggestions that he is on his way out of Camp Nou this summer.

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Man United have allowed both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic to leave the club on free transfers this summer, which will see them enter the market for at least one new midfielder.

De Jong is the leading target, but the club have also allegedly offered a contract to Christian Eriksen, who is set to leave Brentford on a free transfer at the end of the month.

There has recently been speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future, with the Portugal international said to be keen to leave Old Trafford this summer.

However, according to Sport Witness, there is no truth to the rumours, with the experienced forward preparing to spend at least one more season with the 20-time English champions.

Man United are due to begin their pre-season against Liverpool on July 12, while their first game of the new Premier League campaign will see them welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on August 7.