Frenkie de Jong responds to new Man Utd transfer link after Barca beat Madrid

The Netherlands international was one of Erik ten Hag’s top targets last year but while United had agreed a €85 million (£72m) fee with Barcelona, the midfielder stood firm and refused to leave the club.

Ten Hag was unable to convince De Jong to make the move to Old Trafford, which paved the way for United to agree a £70m deal with Real Madrid for Casemiro.

United are understood to have retained their interest in De Jong ahead of the summer transfer window but the 25-year-old has made it clear that his preference is to remain at Barcelona.

When asked about a potential move to United this summer after Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday evening, De Jong told Ziggo Sport: ‘No, I don’t think I’m going to make that step.

‘You never know, of course, but at the moment I am very happy at Barcelona.’

De Jong was angered by Barcelona’s attempts to sell him last summer in order to improve their financial situation.

But the midfielder believes his personal situation and role in Barcelona’s midfield has improved under Xavi.

‘In recent months I have been given a lot of freedom by the coach to get the ball and find my own spaces,’ said De Jong.

‘From the summer to now a lot has changed, it is a lot better now.

‘It gives a lot of satisfaction to be able to play like this. I play almost every game and I am very happy here.’

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