One of Europe's biggest teams has now reportedly given an answer to Manchester United's latest bid for one of their star players.
The Premier League giants have submitted an offer worth £42.9 million (about R1 billion) in an attempt to land the services of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Spanish publication Nacional, per Manchester Evening News.
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However, the LALIGA side is claimed to have rejected the bid, although it is also said that Barca president Joan Laporta is willing to negotiate the sale of the player.
It is said that the Catalan giants are demanding a fee in the region of £73 million (R1.7 billion), with £12.8 million (just under R300 million) in potential add-ons.
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The Red Devils were linked with the Netherlands international throughout the transfer window prior to the 2022/23 season, after manager Erik ten Hag was first appointed as United manager.
That move ended up not materialising, but the EPL powerhouse is believed to be in the market for a midfielder once again, and are said to have identified De Jong as a potential candidate, although it is believed the Red Devils did not initially have the 27-year-old on their shortlist due to uncertainty regarding whether or not Barca would actually be open to selling him.
New Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick is said to be fond of De Jong, but it is further claimed he understands that selling the Dutchman "may be necessary" due to the club's ongoing financial issues, along with the desire to bring fresh faces in.
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United's midfield shortlist, meanwhile, reportedly also includes former loanee Sofyan Amrabat, Martin Zubimendi, Manuel Ugarte and Adrien Rabiot, whom the side has also previously been linked with.
Burnley midfielder Sander Berge has also recently emerged as a potential alternative for the Premier League club.