Frenkie de Jong's future has dominated the narrative surrounding Manchester United and Barcelona this summer - and that doesn't look likely to change ahead of next week's transfer deadline.
Amid talk of a last-gasp bid from United to resuscitate a deal for De Jong, Barcelona have seemingly outlined their desire to keep hold of the coveted Dutchman by handing him a starring role in Wednesday night's exhibition match against Manchester City.
The former Ajax star has been courted by the Red Devils all summer, with Erik ten Hag desperate to reunite with De Jong at Old Trafford after his previous stint working with the playmaker in Amsterdam.
United's new boss had been trying to persuade De Jong to quit the Nou Camp for months before he gave a £60million deal for Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro the green light last week.
Even though the Brazilian enforcer is now on the books at Old Trafford, Ten Hag still has designs on snaring De Jong before the September 1 deadline - but Barcelona's decision to start De Jong in Wednesday night's enthralling 3-3 draw hints that the Spanish giants are intent on keeping the 25-year-old.
It was claimed earlier in the summer that Barcelona were eager to offload De Jong despite the fact that club president, Joan Laporta, has repeatedly insisted the midfield maestro is more than welcome to stay in Catalonia.
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That message has been reiterated by Barca boss Xavi, who named De Jong in his starting XI for the charity clash with the reigning Premier League champions.
The midfielder plundered Barcelona's second goal in a frantic match that was staged at the Nou Camp to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after former Barcelona player and coach Juan Carlos Unzue was diagnosed with the condition two years ago.
De Jong - who has been in a dispute with the club over deferred wages - was given a hero's welcome, unlike other stars who have refused to take a salary cut to aid Barca's financial woes.
After being deployed as a centre-back in pre-season, De Jong's unexpected start in midfield midweek is the latest blow United have been dealt in their protracted pursuit of the playmaker.
Xavi's decision to start De Jong comes in the wake of a report from Diario Sport claiming that Barcelona were planning fresh meetings with the star's representatives in a bid to force out the midfielder, who is one of the club's highest earners, before the September 1 deadline.
It was also claimed that Manchester United were preparing to fly to Spain in a last-ditch attempt to thrash out a deal for De Jong as Ten Hag continues to try and bolster his squad. But De Jong has maintained all summer that he is happy to stay at the Nou Camp - and he could now be on the verge of seeing his wish granted.
