Barcelona have reportedly informed Frenkie de Jong that he will need to take a pay cut in order to remain at Camp Nou.
Throughout the summer transfer window, speculation has persisted regarding the future of the midfielder, who has consistently said that he wishes to remain at his current club.
However, Barcelona's financial issues have complicated matters with a move to Manchester United likely to have been completed weeks ago had De Jong been prepared to move to Old Trafford.
Instead, it now appears to be a straight choice between moving to Chelsea or significantly reducing his income at the Catalan giants.
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, De Jong has been informed that Barcelona have no intention of retaining his services on his current wages.
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Earlier this week, it was claimed that club officials have raised questions over De Jong's contract extension in 2020, the suggestion being that criminal activity was part of the renewal.
De Jong is already owed a substantial chunk of deferred wages, but it appears that Barcelona are prepared to pursue legal action in order to reduce his weekly income.
The report adds that Barcelona want De Jong to make an immediate decision regarding his future with Chelsea said to be waiting in the wings to negotiate a deal should the player be open to moving to the Premier League.
While De Jong is known to be happy with life in Barcelona, there have been reports that he would entertain moving to West London.
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Even with Chelsea being well stocked for players who can play in central midfield, head coach Thomas Tuchel is said to have informed co-owner Todd Boehly to push for an agreement with their Barcelona counterparts.
With regards to a pay cut, it is suggested that the La Liga side want De Jong to lower his wages by 50%, the former Ajax man currently holding the status of one of the club's highest earners.
De Jong still has four years remaining on his contract, and a combination of both factors are contributing to Barcelona being unable to register new players or help balance the books.
As it stands, it is unclear whether De Jong will be considered for selection when Barcelona face Rayo Vallecano in their top-flight opener on Saturday evening.
Darren Plant
