BREAKING: Watch Frenkie de Jong Makes ‘Surprise’ transfer plans following strong Man United transfer interest before the summer transfer window closes

BREAKING: Watch Frenkie de Jong Makes ‘Surprise’ transfer plans following strong Man United transfer interest before the summer transfer window closes

Man United have long been interested in the Dutchman but compatriot Erik ten Hag’s chances of signing him look to be over

Long-term Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong has admitted he wants to finish his career with Barcelona.

De Jong has been heavily linked with a move to United ever since Erik ten Hag took over as manager last year.

A €65million (£56.14m) deal was agreed with Barcelona last June but the move failed to materialise, with Barca owing the midfielder £15m in deferred wages.

United continued to monitor De Jong as Ten Hag prioritised the signing of a quality operator in midfield. However, Barcelona made clear he was not for sale and the Reds swiftly moved on, signing Mason Mount from Chelsea.

The resurfacing of transfer links with De Jong has always felt inevitable. The midfielder has previously described Barca as the club of his dreams, and he’s once again outlined his love for the club, insisting he never wants to leave.

“Barça is the club of my life,” De Jong told El Periodico. “I want to spend my whole life here, I never wanted to leave despite the financial situation of the club last summer.

“I’ve always been a Barça fan since I was a kid. This is the club of my dreams.”

United are open to signing another midfielder this summer, although interest in Sofyan Amrabat suggests they are seeking a more defensive-minded midfielder. Any further arrivals will be dependent on player sales.

Fred’s sale to Fenerbahce was confirmed on Sunday, with United receiving an initial €10m plus €5m add-ons. Donny van de Beek also looks set to leave, although whether a permanent suitor can be found remains to be seen.

Scott McTominay has been the subject of a £30m bid from West Ham, although fears that Kobbie Mainoo could be out for two months might encourage Ten Hag to keep the Scotland international on board

The resurfacing of transfer links with De Jong has always felt inevitable. The midfielder has previously described Barca as the club of his dreams, and he’s once again outlined his love for the club, insisting he never wants to leave.

“Barça is the club of my life,” De Jong told El Periodico. “I want to spend my whole life here, I never wanted to leave despite the financial situation of the club last summer.

“I’ve always been a Barça fan since I was a kid. This is the club of my dreams.”

United are open to signing another midfielder this summer, although interest in Sofyan Amrabat suggests they are seeking a more defensive-minded midfielder. Any further arrivals will be dependent on player sales.

Fred’s sale to Fenerbahce was confirmed on Sunday, with United receiving an initial €10m plus €5m add-ons. Donny van de Beek also looks set to leave, although whether a permanent suitor can be found remains to be seen.

Scott McTominay has been the subject of a £30m bid from West Ham, although fears that Kobbie Mainoo could be out for two months might encourage Ten Hag to keep the Scotland international on board