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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

Frenkie de Jong makes feelings clear on Man Utd transfer and Erik ten Hag reunion

Frenkie de Jong has pledged his future to Barcelona and has told the Spanish club that he doesn't want to reunite with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

The incoming Old Trafford boss identified the midfielder as one of his summer targets as the Red Devils look to add reinforcements in the middle of the park. Ten Hag, who worked with De Jong at Ajax, is keen to link up with his former player at Old Trafford.

It's widely claimed De Jong is available for the right price in the upcoming transfer window due to Barca's cash crisis, which has alerted the likes of United and Manchester City.

But reports claim De Jong has informed the Barcelona hierarchy of his desire to remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer - a huge blow to both clubs in their pursuit of the playmaker.

Barca chief Mateu Alemany has suggested the La Liga giants may need to sell players in order to raise funds for signings but poured cold water on De Jong's exit as he insists the Dutch international is not necessarily one of the players up for sale.

Barcelona have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and their over-spending in the preceding years.

"We haven't made any decisions regarding the squad; Frenkie is a quality player, very important. We are conditioned by [financial] fair play, conditioned by the situation inherited by the club," Almeny said. "We must be patient. We are clear that we are going to reinforce the team. It is necessary and we want to compete for the titles next year."

Frenkie de Jong could leave Barcelona this summer (David S. Bustamante/Getty Images)

Will Frenkie de Jong leave Barcelona in the summer? Let us know in the comment section below

De Jong has been a regular in Xavi's starting XI this season, contributing four goals and five assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.

And the Barcelona boss would like to keep him at the club as the Spaniard spoke about his future. Xavi has tipped him to become one of the best in his position in the coming years if he stays at Barca.

"I haven't talked with him about his future," Xavi said. "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."

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