Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong continues to play down links to Manchester United with talks ongoing

Frenkie de Jong moved to Barcelona in 2019 for £77million (Photograph: Getty)

Manchester United switch goal Frenkie de Jong has reiterated his dedication to Barcelona although he loved working below Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch defensive midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a transfer to Previous Trafford the place he can be reunited together with his former Ajax supervisor Ten Hag, with formal talks between the participant and the membership beginning final Wednesday.

However whereas United wish to purchase, and Barcelona appear comfortable to promote, De Jong isn't eager on leaving the Nou Camp and as soon as once more made this level clear in an interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

The 25-year-old mentioned: ‘I've sufficient confidence in myself [to be a success at Barcelona]. I'm not afraid.

‘I lately spoke extensively with the coach [Xavi]. That was an excellent dialog.

De Jong might reunite with ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Man Utd (Photograph: Getty)

‘I cannot go into that [the links to United]. Not even about different names or golf equipment.

‘I was naive and open-minded about it. I don’t do this anymore.

‘I perceive that that hyperlink is made. That sum isn't that troublesome, it's logical.

‘I've loved working with Ten Hag at Ajax – and I can’t look into the long run, in fact. However I favor to remain at Barcelona.

‘That has at all times been my dream membership and it nonetheless is. So long as I don’t hear from the membership administration, I assume nothing is happening.’

Ten Hag coached De Jong for 18 months, successful a league and cup double in 2019 while additionally reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League, knocking out Actual Madrid and Juventus within the course of.

He subsequently moved to Barcelona for £77million and whereas he has completed nicely, the La Liga facet has struggled each on and off the pitch and as a result of their monetary difficulties, supervisor Xavi is prepared to dump a number of gamers with a purpose to stability the books.

United have been determined for a world-class defensive midfielder for a while and with Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba departing the membership this summer time, it has undoubtedly change into Ten Hag’s most urgent concern.

Nonetheless, signing De Jong will by no means be simple, as not solely is the participant unwilling to depart, however Barcelona wish to recoup virtually all of his switch payment, a worth that can certainly show an excessive amount of for the Pink Devils.

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