Barcelona Transfer News: Ajax Reportedly Set Fee for Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona target Frenkie de Jong has a hefty price tag after Ajax set a fee of £44.2 million for the 21-year-old, according to Sport (h/t Joe Short of the Sunday Express).

Barca have scouted the versatile youngster, per Short, but may be put off by the demands of the Eredivisie club.

Talks could take place next week in the Netherlands over a possible deal.

Short reported on Saturday how Ajax securing a deal to sign former player Daley Blind from Manchester United could open the door for Barca to press ahead with a move for De Jong.

It's a reasonable assumption, especially since the player himself seems open to joining the Camp Nou club. De Jong spoke to AT5 (h/t Sport) after Ajax had played a friendly against Belgian side Anderlecht on Friday.

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While he didn't rule out moving to Barca, De Jong did indicate he would still be an Ajax player after this summer's transfer window, while also saying his future is "something you'll need to ask Marc Overmars about."

The reference to Overmars is significant because Short also noted how the former Ajax director has been in regular contact with De Jong. Overmars played for both teams, so he has an excellent knowledge of each city and the politics at the respective clubs.

Barca have a long tradition of recruiting and successfully integrating top Dutch players dating back to the late great Johan Cruyff. Overmars, Phillip Cocu, Patrick Kluivert and Mark van Bommel also represented the Blaugrana.

Current Netherlands No. 1 Jasper Cillessen is also on the books at Barca. However, the ex-Ajax goalkeeper is reportedly considering a move to Liverpool, per Mundo Deportivo (h/t TalkSport).

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De Jong likely appeals to Barca because of his versatility. He can play various roles at the heart of midfield, as well as being able to fill in at the back if needed.

Signing him would provide cover for holding midfielder Sergio Busquets, as well as centre-backs Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti.

Having a squad player this flexible would be an asset for manager Ernesto Valverde, who leaned on a familiar core of players as Barcelona won a double of La Liga and the Copadel Rey last season but came up short in the UEFA Champions League.

De Jong would be one for the future but also a player who would help Valverde rotate more often. Those are worthy traits, but perhaps not important enough to justify paying nearly £45 million for a 21-year-old who made only 17 stars across all competitions last season.