Frenkie de Jong’s representatives are “still trying to encourage” Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain to join the race to sign the Dutch international, according to ESPN reporter Rob Dawson.

Manchester United have agreed a fee with Barcelona for the midfielder but de Jong is still dragging his heels about the move. He is said to be “open” to making the switch to Old Trafford, but it isn’t his first choice.

The 25-year-old’s priority would be to remain at the Camp Nou but Barca would rather let him leave or take a significant pay cut. Failing that, he would still prefer to join a team playing in the Champions League, such as Chelsea or PSG.

It looks as if United will have to make a big decision soon. If de Jong continues to stall, there will come a point when Erik ten Hag’s side will have to pursue alternatives.

Recent reports suggest that Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Leicester’s Youri Tielemans are the targets that the Red Devils are considering as backup options.