Over the past few weeks, there have been repeated reports in the Catalan press about Manchester United’s interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
The midfielder has been identified as one of the priority targets by Erik ten Hag for this summer.
It has also been reported the new Manchester United manager has already held numerous calls with the 25-year-old.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sport reported the Premier League side ‘believe they will sign’ the 25-year-old this summer and only the player needs convincing to carry out the operation.
With the completion of the 2021/22 season, the Netherlands international is now focusing on the upcoming fixtures with the national team in the UEFA Nations League.
With links of Manchester United’s interest in the former Ajax star, it was no surprise Xavi Hernández’s man was quizzed about the chances of leaving the Camp Nou for Old Trafford this summer.
“Of course, I get that too. But I have not heard anything from the club management, so I don’t assume that there is anything concrete, or that an agreement has already been reached. Then it doesn’t make much sense for me to worry about that,” Algemeen Dagblad quoted him as saying.
De Jong played under Ten Hag when the pair were at Ajax. Therefore, these links don’t surprise the Barcelona player.
“That is a logical link, given my past with Erik ten Hag. But that is what it is: the link is logical, anyone can make it. Have I had contact with Ten Hag? I can’t say anything more about that. I wouldn’t do that when it comes to other clubs or trainers,” De Jong added.
“I understand that [Barca’s financial situation]. But like I said: they didn’t submit that to me or anything. So, I assume it’s not serious.”
The Dutch midfielder admitted he is not being used to his name being a regular topic of discussion in the rumour mill.
“I used to be thoughtless when I was asked about other clubs. That time has passed. Have I been called? I can’t say anything about that, but I prefer to stay at Barcelona,” he added.
