Manchester City gives up hope of signing Ajax midfielder

Manchester City have given up hope of signing Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong after Paris Saint-Germain’s huge bid. Pep Guardiola had reanmarked the 21-year-old as a long-time replacement for Fernandinho and the youngster himself was keen on a move to the Ethiad. But PSG’s emergence has blown City as they are unwilling to enter into a costly tug-of-war. City had been willing to pay around £50m for the Dutchman and pay him wages of around £100,000-a-week that would include incremental rises. However, PSG are offering closer to £200,000-a-week and City will refuse to match their offer as they cannot justify such an outlay on a relatively unproven 21-year-old. City’s decision not to match PSG’s offer shows the club’s new-found refusal to ‘follow’ the market.

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