Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that the club may have to sell players in order to balance the books this summer, amidst rumours of a potential move for Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United.

The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a reunion with former boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, after the duo enjoyed a successful relationship together at Ajax in the Netherlands.

It was reported on Friday that Barcelona have rejected United's opening bid for the 25-year-old, but De Jong is said to be the club's primary target to solve their central midfield problems following the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic on free transfers.

Despite the Catalan side reportedly rejecting the opening bid from the Premier League side, the club's chief has suggested that they are open to selling important players during the current transfer window in order to assist their efforts to improve the club's finances.

Speaking to Barca TV, Laporta said: "If our economic situation requires the sale of an important player, we are ready for that."

Last summer, Barcelona were unable to register new signings such as Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero for some time following strict wage controls placed on the club by La Liga.

The federation imposed the restrictions as a result of Barcelona's troubled financial situation, which leaves the club in debt by around €1bn (£850m) as things stand, and also led to them being unable to extend Lionel Messi's contract with the club.

This summer, Barcelona remain in a poor position, as they remain unable to register the free transfer signings of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, leaving open the possibility of numerous player sales in order to balance the books, including the likes of De Jong.