The president of Barcelona has insisted that one of their star midfielders, said to be one of Manchester United's top targets, will not be sold in this transfer window.
After it was reported last week that the Catalan giants and the Red Devils had agreed a fee in principle for Frenkie de Jong, worth €65 million (R1.1 billion) plus add-ons, it now seems the LaLiga side are not willing to sell, if club president Joan Laporta is to be believed.
De Jong has been identified as the main priority in this transfer window by new United head coach Erik ten Hag.
Having worked together at Ajax Amsterdam, where they secured the Dutch domestic double during the 2018/19 season and went on a historic UEFA Champions League semi-final run that very same campaign, the 52-year-old is keen on reuniting with his former midfielder.
However, the Spanish executive is seemingly adamant on his stance regarding the 25-year-old.
"(Frenkie de Jong) is a Barca player," Laporta said, as per Sky Sports.
"And unless we feel the need or the interest to sell him, we won't do it.
"Frenkie de Jong isn't for sale. We know he has offers. And if at a given moment we are interested in selling him, then we would think about it.
"But right now we won't sell him. Even more, we are acquiring another Franck. Franck Kessie."
The 26-time LaLiga champions bought the Netherlands international for a reported €86 million (R1.4 billion) from Ajax in 2019, but he has been part of an erratic Barca squad since.
The Arkel native is apparently not keen on leaving the Camp Nou, but given the precarious financial position the Catalan giants find themselves in, they may be forced to sell should a suitable bid come in.
The Mancunians will continue pushing for his signature given that they have let a few midfielders go recently, including Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.
