Manchester United’s summer transfer pursuit of midfielder Frenkie de Jong as Barcelona have denied striking an agreement with the Red Devils over a move for the Dutchman.
In what has been the ongoing saga of the summer transfer window, United boss Erik ten Hag has prioritised a move to be reunited with his former midfielder, although there have been conflicting reports over what will happen in the future with the 44-time Dutch international.
Reports had claimed that United had reached an agreement to sign the midfielder in a deal worth an initial fee of £63m (€75m) plus add-ons. However, that now does not appear to be true, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta denying that any deal had been agreed.
Speaking to ESPN, Laporta said: "Frenkie de Jong is our player, we really like him. We received some offers for Frenkie but we didn't accept as of now, as we want to talk with him and know exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation.”
De Jong is currently away on Barcelona’s pre-season camp in America and featured as a substitute on Sunday morning during Xavi’s side’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid in Las Vegas, with summer signing Raphinha scoring the only goal of the game.
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“I’m not here to send messages,” Barca boss Xavi said after the win. “I already spoke with Frenkie, I value him very much. He’s a key player, but then there’s economic situation and Financial Fair Play. He can give us a lot also as a centre back.”
While United are yet to sign De Jong, they have so far completed three signings this summer. They have signed left-back Tyrell Malacia, midfielder Christian Eriksen and centre-back Lisandro Martinez, although Eriksen and Martinez are yet to feature for Ten Hag’s side in pre-season.
United have so far been unbeaten in their four pre-season matches, securing wins over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace. On Saturday, the Red Devils missed the chance to make it four wins from four after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Aston Villa in Perth, Australia.
United led 2-0 at half-time following goals from Jadon Sancho and an own goal from Matty Cash. However, Leon Bailey and Callum Chambers both netted in the second half to earn Villa a 2-2 draw in the Red Devils’ final friendly down under.
They will conclude their pre-season fixtures next weekend with a double header against Spanish duo Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, before starting on Sunday, August 7 against Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s side are yet to learn about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. The striker handed in a transfer request earlier this summer due to the club’s lack of Champions League football. United are open to letting him leave on loan, dangling the carrot of a return for him next season if United re-qualify for next season’s Champions League.
