Manchester United have suffered a huge blow in the club’s bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on building his Manchester United team around De Jong and has made the midfielder a priority target this summer.

De Jong is also reportedly open to reuniting with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Barcelona’s financial difficulties means the Spanish side must sell some of their biggest earners this summer.

Xavi has previously admitted the club’s financial situation would dictate their summer business with cashed raised through De Jong’s sale to be used to fund incoming deals – with Robert Lewandowski top of the manager’s list.

Barcelona have been holding out for €100million for the transfer of De Jong but Manchester United are currently only prepared to pay €70million for the Dutch international midfielder.

Manchester United might now be regretting not pushing to sign De Jong earlier as the Red Devils have now suffered a huge blow in the club’s pursuit of signing De Jong.

According to Metro, Barcelona have received a major boost in improving their financial situation after their board approved two measures that will provide the club with a huge cash injection.

Barcelona’s members have voted in favour of the sale of future merchandising and television rights.

The successful vote gives club president Joan Laporta and his directors the green light to sell 49.9% of the club’s Barca Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) subsidiary and 25% of its La Liga television rights revenues over the coming years.

Both were passed by huge majorities — 88% for BLM and 84% for TV revenues.

Barcelona will reportedly now be able to raise close to £600million which will be used to offset the club’s debt – which stands at over £1billion – and improve the playing squad this summer.

The injection of cash means Barcelona will no longer be desperate to sell De Jong to Manchester United to improve their squad.

De Jong recently admitted he was flattered by Manchester United’s interest but insists he is happy to remain at Barca.

De Jong said: “You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player.

“But, as you say, I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and I feel fine there, so no news.”