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Report: Manchester City near De Jong deal as Barcelona lose hope

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Manchester City's star-studded squad could add another world-class talent - at the expense of Barcelona, no less, with the Premier League holders reportedly set to secure the services of Ajax stud Frenkie de Jong.

Barcelona have given up hope with City willing to break their club transfer record to lure the 21-year-old Dutchman to the Etihad, sources told Goal.com's Sam Lee and Ignasi Oliva. Pep Guardiola's lot paid £60 million for Riyad Mahrez this summer (exceeding the previous record of £57 million paid for centre-half Aymeric Laporte).

Following protracted discussions between City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and his Ajax opposite, Marc Overmars, the English giants are in the driver's seat as Barcelona reportedly balked at the midfielder's valuation. City are allegedly willing to splash £62 million with an additional £18 million in performance-related bonuses in the January window, and the club will also permit the player to stay in Amsterdam on loan until the end of the season.

A two-way midfielder content to play both defensive and playmaking roles, De Jong's also played as a central defender this season under Erik ten Hag, highlighting the four-time capped international's composure on the ball. Despite his versatility, De Jong's future is likely in the midfield. He'd be an ideal replacement for Fernandinho, who turns 34 in May.

Barcelona are reportedly shifting their focus to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, whose current terms in the French capital expire this summer.

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