BARCELONA ORDERED TO SLASH WAGE BILL, COULD LOSE SEVERAL KEY STARS

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Barcelona have been ordered to slash their wage bill by £177million in the summer, giving Manchester United and other clubs hope in their pursuit of key players.

LaLiga are still on the Spanish club’s neck to ensure they make further reduction amid their financial setbacks if they are to comply with league rules and that could result in high-profile players being sold.

According to reports, two stars who may have to be let go in order to lower the wage bill are Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati, who have both been connected with Manchester United.

Reports claim that Barcelona is determined to keep Netherlands midfielder De Jong, but their financial situation may encourage Erik ten Hag to approve another attempt to get a player he greatly admires.

United were unable to get a deal for De Jong over the line last summer, with the star not wanting to leave Barcelona after the clubs agreed a fee of £71million.

De Jong has a Barcelona contract until 2026 and will earn around £78million over the final four years of it after he agreed a restructure to help the club mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With Barcelona under renewed pressure to reduce their wage bill, they may change their stance on selling De Jong if United or another club revive their interest.

Reports earlier this week suggested United are among a number of clubs interested in young forward Ansu Fati with his agent Jorge Mendes apparently approaching potential suitors.

Fati, 20, has struggled for game time this season and Diario Sport reported interest in a player Barcelona value at £90million.