Barcelona manager Xavi has claimed that Frenkie de Jong will not be for sale in January amid Manchester United interest.
MEN Sport revealed last month that Erik ten Hag was open to another bid for De Jong should the opportunity arise. It is understood that the Dutchman had given personal reassurances to his old manager that he would be open to a switch to United.
However, in public he was declaring his allegiance and future to Barca. The Manchester Evening News understands that an issue regarding his deferred wages meant that De Jong was unwilling to leave Camp Nou and instead the Reds decided to pursue a deal with Casemiro.
ALSO READ: Barcelona president sends De Jong message
Speaking to the press, Xavi sent a firm message to United about January. He said: "I don't want Memphis [Depay] or any other player to leave in January. I think it's going be a quiet window for us."
January is not expected to be a busy month for United either after their summer spending spree exceeded the amount they thought it would. MEN Sport understands that the Reds will be saving their money as much as they can this winter ahead of the next summer window but they are in the market to sign a new centre forward in January.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in November, United have been left with a lack of options in the striker position. Currently, Anthony Martial is the only senior option in the centre-forward position.
Marcus Rashford has been known to play down the middle for the Reds but Ten Hag has been clear that he would much rather him remain on the flanks. United are thought to be looking at the loan market this month in order to find a short-term replacement for Ronaldo.
READ NEXT:
