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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has rubbished reports the club have accepted an offer from Manchester United for midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Erik ten Hag is keen to reunite with the 25-year-old, whom he managed at Ajax, and United have been pushing to bring the Netherlands international to Old Trafford.
The financial situation of Barcelona has been identified as a reason why the Catalan side may be tempted to sell, with reports stating the club have accepted an offer from the Premier League side but De Jong himself is yet to be persuaded by a move.
Such claims have been refuted by Laporta, who made it clear to ESPN that no bids for De Jong have been accepted.
“Frenkie de Jong is our player, we really like him,” he said.
“We received some offers for Frenkie but we didn’t accept as of now, as we want to talk with him and know exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation.”
Laporta’s stance on De Jong was echoed by Xavi, although the Barcelona coach admitted the financial situation could affect the proceedings heading into the final month of the transfer window.
“I’m not here to send messages. I already spoke with Frenkie, I value him very much. He’s a key player, but then there’s economic situation and Financial Fair Play,” he said following Barcelona’s 1-0 pre-season win against Real Madrid.
Xavi also dropped a hint on plans to utilise De Jong’s versatility next season, adding: “He can give us a lot also as a centre back.”
