Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Frenkie de Jong latest: Barcelona make clear their stance as Man Utd bide time over midfield target

Frenkie de Jong, Denzel Dumfries and Steven Bergwijn

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has put a huge dent in the chances of Manchester United signing Frenkie de Jong as he never wants the star to leave.

United have long been linked with a move for the Barca midfielder. The summer was full of stories suggesting the Red Devils had made him their number one priority. And the Catalans hinted that they would be prepared to let him leave for the right price.

That was said to be in the region of £68m. But the summer transfer deadline came and went, with the Netherlands international remaining at the Nou Camp.

The arrival of Erik ten Hag was the catalyst for United’s pursuit of the 25-year-old. The pair had worked together at Ajax before De Jong completed his switch to Spain.

Ten Hag did raid his former club, with defender Lisandro Martinez and winger Antony moving to Old Trafford from Amsterdam.

But they could not snare the player they really wanted.

De Jong shrugged off the summer attention and helped Barca to the top of the LaLiga standings.

They sat two points clear of rivals Real Madrid heading into the World Cup break. De Jong played his part, with nine starts among 13 top-flight outings.

While not primarily a goalscoring midfidler, he did chip in with a couple.

Rumours continue to circulate that United will go back in with another offer. But that may well fall on deaf ears, with Laporta adamant that the schemer is going nowhere.

“In midfield I have never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong because he is one of the best players we have,” he said.

However, a report by Sport claimed Barca want to reduce his wages in order to free up cash to make further signings.

De Jong among many United targets

Manchester United enjoyed an up-and-down start to the Premier League season. They reached fifth prior to the Qatar showpiece, with eight wins from 14 games played.

However, that does not tell the whole story of the first few months of the campaign.

Ten Hag’s decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench appeared to pay dividends, with results improving.

But the Portugal legend was clearly incensed by his treatment. And, having shown signs of frustration, things came to a head in an interview with Piers Morgan.

The veteran forward has now departed the club, with management hoping the next five months will be more harmonious.

Success is what they crave, with United failing to win the Premier League title since 2012-2013.

That seems beyond them at present, with an 11-pont gap to bridge to table-topping Arsenal.

The Dutch tactician has been tipped to strengthen. A number of names have been mentioned although it is prudent to take many with a pinch of salt at this time of the year.

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has been linked, although Tottenham and Chelsea are also thought to be keen.

Preston’s 16-year-old sensation Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile is another star thought to be on the radar.

However, the prospect of landing De Jong would top any other winter transfer.

It seems unlikely to happen although United might well try again next summer. But they will clearly have to persuade a stubborn Laporta if they are to get their man.

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