Barça ask De Jong to decide: United, Chelsea... or get paid less

The days go by and the uncertainty surrounding De Jong remains. Barcelona are willing to keep the Dutchman, but only if his salary is lowered. Otherwise, the club would have given Chelsea the go ahead to negotiate the terms of his transfer directly with the player

Barça want to end this transfer saga. 'Sport' claims that the club are serious and has asked De Jong to give an answer now.

De Jong has two options: if he wants to stay at Barça, he will have to see his wage bill cut. If not, he will be urged to choose between United and Chelsea, the two clubs who, so far, have made a firm offer for him.

Barcelona have made it clear to the player that, if he wants to, he has a place in Xavi's team. The coach has said it in front of the cameras and so has the president, Joan Laporta, but he will have the last word.

The 'Cule' club can already see the start of La Liga approaching and Xavi wants to know which players he will be able to count on by then. That is why they have given De Jong the ultimatum in the hope that his situation will be resolved in the coming week.