Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff has confirmed that the Spanish giants have no intentions of selling midfielder Frenkie de Jong ahead of the January transfer window amid ongoing links connecting him with a move to Manchester United.
De Jong, who is currently gearing up for the Netherlands' World Cup quarter-final with Argentina in Qatar on Friday evening, was a leading target for United throughout the summer transfer window. The Reds identified him as their top midfield target back in May and chased his signature for more than 100 days.
Manager Erik ten Hag had worked with the 25-year-old at Ajax previously and played a key role in his development which, ultimately, earned him a big-money move to Barcelona in 2019. The Reds chief was determined to be reunited with his fellow countryman and considered him as the missing link in United's midfield.
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But such was the situation where Barcelona owed De Jong €17million in deferred wages, United were unable to get a deal over the line, despite reaching an agreement over an initial €65million (£56.14m) fee at the end of June. The Reds, in the end, turned to Real Madrid midfield enforcer Casemiro instead.
United, though, have continued to be linked with De Jong ahead of the upcoming January window. However, Barcelona have issued a firm stance on the Dutchman's future, insisting he is not a player that they are prepared to let go.
Cruyff told Spanish outlet Sport: "Frenkie de Jong is not for sale. He's a key player for us, so that time has passed.
"He's here and he's important for us. At the end of last summer, after Fair Play discussions, he stayed here and Frenkie is really loved at Barca."
De Jong, who has started each of the Netherlands' opening four games at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring one goal and grabbing one assist, has made 17 appearances for Barcelona so far this season in all competitions. He has played in all but one of their 14 La Liga matches this term.
The Dutchman, of course, is likely to go up against United in the New Year. The two sides are scheduled to face each other twice within the space of a week in February in the Europa League play-off round.
United will travel to the Camp Nou on February 16 before welcoming the Spaniards to Old Trafford on February 23. United finished second in their Europa League group while Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League at the first hurdle.
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