Barcelona manager Xavi has provided a fresh update on the future of Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong.
United agreed a fee with the Catalan giants back in June for the services of De Jong. However, due to issues regarding wage deferrals, it is understood that the Dutch midfielder is so far unwilling to leave Camp Nou.
Despite this, as recently as the end of last week, United were still focused entirely on securing the signature of De Jong having ruled that their alternative options were not as strong as the 25-year-old. However, MEN Sport understands that the Reds have reluctantly decided that they must also pursue other midfielders.
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An agreement has been reached with Juventus for Adrien Rabiot although the Reds are currently negotiating personal terms with his mother and agent Veronique. The Manchester Evening News also understands that United are weighing up a move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in an attempt to bolster their options in the centre of the park.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Xavi was asked about the futures of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and De Jong, the former is reportedly wanted by Chelsea. Discussing the Dutchman, the 42-year-old said: "It is the same as Auba, he is important for me.
"He’s in the squad and we will use him. I don’t know what will happen between now and 31 August, but not just with Frenkie or with Auba, with almost everyone in the squad."
Xavi did earlier reveal that the players he did not see as part of his plans were fully aware and that they would not be featuring for Barcelona.
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