Barcelona head coach Xavi has hailed Frenkie de Jong as "one of the best midfielders in the world" amid Manchester United's ongoing interest in the Netherlands international.
United, who will be looking to wrap up their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League when they face Real Betis in the second-leg of their round-of-16 tie on Thursday evening, were desperate to sign De Jong last summer. They agreed a deal with Barcelona at the end of June, only for it to collapse because of a dispute over unpaid wages.
United manager Erik ten Hag had pinpointed the former Ajax star as his preferred choice to strengthen United's midfield ahead of the start of this season and he remains on the club's radar. As reported by the Manchester Evening News back in December, United have not ruled out the prospect of a fresh move to sign him this year.
