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Fresh twist in De Jong contract saga
Barcelona have asked Frenkie de Jong to annul his current contract and revert back to his previous terms due to alleged criminality in his renewal proceedings.
A sensational report by the Athletic claims the 25-year-old was informed last month by his employers that there are grounds for legal action towards those involved in the 2020 negotiations.
The Catalonians have informed their Dutch midfielder that they wish to rescind the latest agreement — which saw De Jong sign a two-year extension at Camp Nou — and switch back to his 2019 contract instead.
The move comes as Barca desperately attempt to balance their books after a summer of excessive spending despite well-documented financial issues.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea are still keen to sign De Jong and the Spanish club will entertain a sale, though financial disputes are significantly complicating matters.
Meanwhile, club president Joan Laporta told reporters that the player wants to stay put after a 6-0 friendly win over Pumas UNAM last night.
Ten Hag: Eriksen will play deeper
Erik ten Hag confirmed he has no intention of playing Christian Eriksen as a false nine long term after Manchester United’s humbling loss to Brighton.
Danish star Eriksen, 30, started the 2-1 defeat playing as the Red Devils’ attacking focal point due to Anthony Martial’s injury and Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of match fitness.
Yet Ten Hag switched things up on 53 minutes, bringing Ronaldo into the fray and allowing Eriksen to revert to his traditional playmaker role in central midfield.
United’s boss said: “We didn’t have a typical No9. I knew he [Eriksen] did it at Ajax, a long time ago — play as a striker.
“I think Christian Eriksen is the best in the midfield. It was also the idea [against Brighton] that he drops and gets in between the lines.
“It is clear to see in the second half we were better in midfield with Eriksen down and Ronaldo up. We created and Rashford had two good chances, it is a shame we did not score.”
Leipzig close in on Werner return
RB Leipzig are expected to complete a deal to re-sign their former forward Timo Werner from Chelsea this week.
Werner, 26, arrived at Stamford Bridge for £45million two years ago but has largely failed to fire in English football.
Now, Leipzig are set to stump up just £25m to bring him back to the Bundesliga with the player desperate to play regular football.
Initially, it was thought a season-long loan with an option to buy would be the preferred route for all parties but talks over a permanent move have reportedly progressed quickly over the weekend.
Having netted 23 goals in 89 appearances for the Blues, Werner will be out to make sure of his place in Hansi Flick’s Germany squad ahead of November’s World Cup.
