Barcelona have told Frenkie de Jong to leave this summer if he does not accept a salary cut, according to COPE.
De Jong is desperate to remain in Spain, but Barca want to sell the Dutchman in a bid to balance their finances and get some high earners off their wage bill.
Manchester United have been waiting for weeks to sign the midfielder, who is not keen on moving to Old Trafford, primarily due to their lack of Champions League football.
De Jong’s agent has also approached Chelsea and it is understood the 25-year-old would be more open to joining Thomas Tuchel’s side.
However, United have agreed a €85million deal with Barcelona, while Chelsea are unwilling to match that offer.
The Catalans have clearly explained the situation to De Jong’s agent, that the player must either accept a wage cut or agree to leave Camp Nou.
Barcelona would save around €40million if they manage to get De Jong off their wage bill.
Barcelona must also settle their wage dispute with De Jong as they owe him around €17m (£14m) after he agreed to defer part of his salary to help the club’s financial situation.
