Reports: PSG to hijack Barcelona's top target
What's the story?
According to Paris United (h/t Get French Football News) and AS, Paris Saint-Germain have now reached an agreement with Ajax's Frenkie de Jong over personal terms. The 21-year-old has been offered a five-year contract worth €8 million a year.
However, the reports conclude that both the clubs are involved in talks to agree on the Dutchman’s transfer for a fee in the area of €75 million. It is being reported that though PSG can afford the amount, they are willing to do it within the boundaries of FFP.
In case you didn't know...
De Jong has been heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona and Manchester City, but as it stands, the Ligue 1 champions are spearheading the race for his signature.
Last week, the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo even went on to claim that the Ajax midfielder had finally agreed terms with Barcelona.
The heart of the matter...
In a recent interview published via Ajax's Twitter account, De Jong categorically stated his intention to stay put at Ajax until the end of the season.
"I am certainly not leaving this winter."
"I am 100 percent staying until the summer."
"I don't know what other people are doing, but personally I would like it if the whole group stay together. We have had a fairly decent first half to the season."
"The atmosphere in the group is very good and we have a lot of quality - so I would be disappointed if people left."
Rumour rating: 6/10
The sources mentioned above are quite reliable in terms of football transfer news. PSG have had a long-held interest in De Jong, who continues to be a hot prospect across Europe.
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What's next?
Even though it's quite clear that De Jong is going nowhere in the ongoing winter transfer window, he is still allowed to settle a pre-contract arrangement with any of the clubs before a summer transfer.