Manchester City are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong during this summer's transfer window.
The Citizens attempted to bring in Declan Rice from West Ham United but ultimately refused to go above £100m for the England international, who is on the verge of joining Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola's side are in the market for a central midfielder due to Ilkay Gundogan's exit, and according to The Sun, De Jong has emerged as a target for the club.
The Netherlands international was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, but the Red Devils were unsuccessful in their pursuit of him, with the midfielder saying on multiple occasions that he wanted to remain at Camp Nou.
Man United are believed to be keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old's situation at Camp Nou in the event that he becomes available for transfer this summer.
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However, the Red Devils could find it difficult to sign the Dutchman due to his £90m asking price, especially as they have already committed £60m to signing Mason Mount from Chelsea.
The club are also looking to bring in a centre-forward, while at least one goalkeeper will be required even if David de Gea re-signs.
Barcelona are said to be keen to keep hold of De Jong but would likely consider big offers due to their financial situation, with the Catalan outfit under pressure to make some first-team sales.
The Dutchman also earns in the region of £400,000 a week at the club, so a departure would remove a huge salary from the wage bill.
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De Jong made the move to Barcelona from Ajax in July 2019, and he has represented the club on 183 occasions in all competitions, contributing 15 goals and 21 assists in the process.
Last season, the midfielder featured on 43 occasions, scoring once and providing four assists, with Xavi's side winning the La Liga title ahead of Real Madrid.
De Jong has another three years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou and is allegedly in no rush to move clubs, even if he is offered the chance to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium.
Man City have already brought in a new midfielder this summer, signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
Guardiola's side, who won the treble last season, will take on Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 6 before opening their Premier League campaign away to Burnley on August 11.
Matt Law
