Barcelona leave out five first-team stars for pre-season tour to help force transfer exits including Samuel Umtiti
BARCELONA manager Xavi has left five players out of his pre-season squad as the club is looking to force transfer exits, reports suggest.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Martin Braithwaite, Oscar Mingueza, Samuel Umtiti, Riqui Puig and Neto didn't travel with Barca to the US.
The Blaugrana want all five of them to leave "as soon as possible" amid their ongoing financial struggles.
Romano : "Official: Barcelona manager Xavi has left out of the squad for US tour the following players.
"Martin Braithwaite, Oscar Mingueza, Samuel Umtiti, Riqui Puig, Neto.
"Barca want them to leave as soon as possible."
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Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong, though, did make Barcelona's squad for the US pre-season tour.
That works as a blow for United, who thought they had struck a £71million deal earlier this week with the Catalan giants.
The move has hit a snag, however, regarding money owed to De Jong by the Spanish club and doubts over whether he actually wants to move to Old Trafford.
However, Red Devils chiefs remain convinced that they can still pull off a deal for the 25-year-old.
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The star midfielder will be joined by Barcelona signings Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha.
The club will be hoping that Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski will soon be included as a deal could be announced within the weekend.