Deferred wage debt holding up Manchester United's Frenkie de Jong pursuit?

Manchester United's quest to sign Frenkie de Jong has reportedly been held up due to an issue over deferred wages.

The Dutchman is considered to be one of United's top targets this summer as they bid to strengthen their midfield following the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

However, United's hopes of signing the midfielder this summer have been dented after Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated that he does not want to sell the player.

Despite Laporta's statement, Erik ten Hag is still keen to reunite with his former Ajax player, but a potential transfer looks to have hit a further stumbling block due to an issue over deferred wages.

According to The Telegraph, Man United's pursuit of the 25-year-old is being held up by money owed to De Jong, which had been deferred due to the pandemic.

Having agreed to reduce his salary in the last two seasons, De Jong is reportedly owed £13.7m in basic wages, while Barcelona also need to pay the Netherlands international another £3.4m in bonuses, which have previously been waived.

The report suggests that the Catalan giants need to pay the Man United target the outstanding amount before any transfer can be agreed.

De Jong, who joined Barcelona in 2019, currently has a contract with the club until 2026.