Frenkie de Jong is not currently interested in leaving Barcelona amid the renewed transfer interest from Manchester United but that may change over the coming months, according to reports.
De Jong is said to lead United’s summer shortlist with Erik ten Hag keen to improve his midfield ranks. He believes the Dutchman would be the perfect compliment for Eriksen and Casemiro, of whom De Jong is a huge admirer.
United had an initial transfer fee of £56.2m agreed with Barca last summer to sign the midfielder but no deal came to fruition as the player wished to remain at the Camp Nou.
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De Jong has been at odds with the club’s board this campaign including criticising them for leaking his contract details last summer and he has refused Barca’s attempt to persuade him to reduce his salary.
As reported in December by Sport, the Red Devils made a fresh approach to the former Ajax player to request once again that he reduces his salary, but that attempt is unlikely to be successful.
Barcelona need to reduce their current salary outgoings of €600m to €400m for next campaign, in order to register new players and any new contracts.
The same outlet claims Barca will resist interest in the midfielder this summer and reject bids for him at the insistence of Xavi Hernandez.
Ten Hag said of De Jong ahead of facing Barca last month in the Europa League: “In 2019, there was a lot of fascination with that Ajax team. Frenkie brought a lot of that fascination and he has developed over the following years in Spain.
“He’s a fantastic player and has become even better. Playing out from the back, he always has time. It was a pleasure working with him. He would strengthen any squad in the world. He’s got unique quality.”
De Jong played both games for the La Liga club as they were eliminated from the Europa League.
