Despite issues with the transaction and reservations over Frenkie de Jong's desire to come to Old Trafford, Manchester United won't give up on their pursuit of the Holland star.
United and Barcelona have reached an agreement on a cost of £63 million, with the possibility of a further £8.5 million in add-ons.
The holdup, according to United, is due to De Jong's £17 million in unpaid pay from Barcelona, not the player's reluctance to transfer to England.
Some United supporters have been alarmed by De Jong's repeated statements that he would like to stay at the Nou Camp. Barcelona has made it obvious that he must be sold in order to pay for further transfers, and they may even decide to omit him from this weekend's preseason tour.
It is believed that United would continue to pursue the 25-year-old midfielder even after the new season has begun. September 1 marks the end of the transfer window.
United recognizes that they may have to concede defeat on signing De Jong and have a number of alternatives in mind, including Wolves' Ruben Neves. Wolves are willing to sell the Portuguese midfielder this summer because he has two years remaining on his contract and is unlikely to sign a new one.
The Molineux club values Neves at around £70 million, which no club has yet to match.
However, they understand that selling Neves is the simplest way to provide funds for boss Bruno Lage to make the changes he desires.
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