Barcelona head coach Xavi says Frenkie de Jong remains firmly part of his plans amid the interest of Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag will arrive at Old Trafford at the end of the campaign with the Dutchman to preside over a huge summer transfer window with some high-profile players set to leave.
Paul Pogba is among those with the Frenchman in the last few months of his contract having possibly already played his last match for the club after picking an injury up midweek.
With United’s midfield in need of a total overhaul, Spanish publication Sport have claimed ten Hag has identified de Jong as his ideal signing.
Ten Hag oversaw de Jong’s rise into one of Ajax’s best youngsters before he eventually signed for Barcelona in 2019.
And while he may be keen on a reunion in Manchester, Xavi has challenged de Jong to ‘make his mark’ at the Camp Nou.
‘I haven’t talked with him about his future,’ Xavi said at a press conference.
‘He is playing at a very good level and has to continue here – he can be one of the best midfielders in the world for years to come.
‘If it were up to me, I would continue here for many more years. He is very important and can mark an era here. ‘He has to score, assist and he has to be the protagonist.’
