Barcelona president Joan Laporta maintains that Frenkie De Jong is not for sale despite Manchester United 's relentless pursuit.
The midfielder has been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford all summer and appears to be Erik ten Hag's No 1 target. United are believed to have agreed a fee for De Jong but finer details of the deal have yet to be ironed out and the chances of a deal being completed before their pre-season tour look slim.
The Spanish club have had to deal with persistent speculation regarding their Dutch star, who moved to the Camp Nou three years ago. Barcelona 's financial predicament has led to rumours of them cashing in, but Laporta has reiterated that the player is not for sale.
Speaking at the unveiling of new signing Franck Kessie, Laporta declared again: "Frenkie de Jong is a Barça player and we don't have him for sale". Laporta's latest declaration comes after United took a similar statement earlier this week with a pinch of salt.
Laporta said previously: “There are clubs that want him, not just United. We have no intention of selling him, he wants to stay. Frenkie is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world by all the experts. We are happy to have him. I’m going to do everything I can in my power so that Frenkie stays here, but there’s also a salary issue and that would have to be adjusted.”
According to The Athletic, United had taken those comments lightly and refused to be put off making more moves for De Jong. However, Laporta has responded to that by doubling down on his stance and placing Ten Hag's desired move in serious doubt.
He worked with Ten Hag at Ajax and the new Red Devils boss sees him as a key cog at Old Trafford as he prepares for the season opener against Brighton and Hove Albion.
He said recently: “There are clubs that want him, not just United. We have no intention of selling him, he wants to stay. Frenkie is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world by all the experts. We are happy to have him. I’m going to do everything I can in my power so that Frenkie stays here, but there’s also a salary issue and that would have to be adjusted.”
United have, according to the Athletic, taken his comments lightly and are far from put off making more moves for De Jong. He worked with Ten Hag at Ajax and the new Red Devils boss sees him as a key cog at Old Trafford as he prepares for the season opener against Brighton and Hove Albion.
If any deal is reached with Barcelona then De Jong will be something of a late arrival with the club already beginning their pre-season plans. The Catalans have added Franck Kessie from AC Milan and already have the likes of Pedri and Sergio Busquets meaning there will be strong competition for places in midfield.
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United have recently made their first signing of the Ten Hag era, capturing Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. Now their attention will turn to other areas and midfield recruits are badly needed following the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard. De Jong though is determined to remain at Barcelona, which he has maintained throughout the summer.
The 25-year-old said last month: "I have enough confidence in myself [to be a success at Barcelona]. I am not afraid. I recently spoke extensively with the trainer [Xavi]. That was a very good conversation. I will not go into that [the links to United]. Not even about other names or clubs. I used to be naive and open-minded about it. I don’t do that anymore. I understand that that link is made. That sum is not that difficult, it is logical.
"I have enjoyed working with Ten Hag at Ajax – and I can’t look into the future, of course. But I prefer to stay at Barcelona. That has always been my dream club and it still is. As long as I don’t hear from the club management, I assume nothing is going on."
