Manchester United have all but written off Frenkie de Jong, they believe he will stay at Barça

The Frenkie de Jong soap opera will last until the end of the market, but the English clubs have begun throwing in the towel. According to The Times, Manchester United have almost given up on the Dutchman after making a final contact, and believe the player will stay at Barça since he is unwilling to negotiate with any club.

Despite this, several British newspapers claim that Chelsea are still going for De Jong and that they are even willing to open the exit door to Kovacic so that De Jong becomes an undisputed starter under Tuchel.

United had withdrawn their offer for De Jong during the past week as it made no sense after the player and his entourage had flatly rejected them. The English club, now desperate to get signings, made a fresh attempt with the player's entourage and the response was not positive.

De Jong has not closed the doors to anyone but is determined to remain at FC Barcelona. United are beginning to believe they have little chance of signing him despite all their efforts.

The English club are still going to keep the door open until the last day of the market if, eventually, De Jong's relationship with Barça ends up flat-lining. FC Barcelona told the Dutchman that he must lower his salary and De Jong has not responded, so a confrontation seems due in the coming days. If the situation becomes untenable, United could be the final solution for the midfielder, but they sense that it will be very complicated.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have remained on standby while settling other transfers, and are ready to launch their final offensive for the Dutchman. They are even willing to part with Kovacic so that De Jong would have more certainty of his role in the team.

There is even talk of a possible meeting between the owner of the London club and the player, but the Dutchman is still resolved to remain at FC Barcelona. Barça's reaction remains to be seen, as they need to free up the wage bill.