FC Barcelona are now reportedly planning to get rid of one of their longest-serving stars amid a standoff in contract negotiations.
Reports in Spain suggest that Barça have recently begun working on the contract situations of several players, including Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong.
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In the case of De Jong, however, things have not gone smoothly between the two parties after the club reportedly tabled an offer for the midfielder.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Dutch footballer has not responded to the offer, and as such, Barcelona have decided to withdraw their proposal.
The report claims that the Blaugrana are now planning to sell De Jong at the end of the season instead, as he approaches the final 18 months of his contract.
It is also said that the offer did not include a pay cut from what the player is currently earning.
Barça reportedly feel comfortable with the prospect of offloading de Jong, as they believe that Pedri, Gavi, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal provide sufficient cover in midfield for next season.
The Spanish outlet SPORT further claims that the Catalan giants would even be willing to overlook De Jong's transfer fee, as getting him off the books would provide enough financial relief due to the wages currently owed to him by the club.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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