Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong has reportedly informed the Barcelona hierarchy of his desire to remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer.
The Red Devils are keen to organise a reunion between De Jong and his former boss Erik ten Hag who will soon take the reins at Old Trafford following the conclusion of this season. The 25-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders currently operating in Europe.
With that being said, De Jong's impressive ability means he is one of the very few assets Barcelona could cash in on to ease the immense financial strain they are currently under. The Catalan giants have been operating under huge economic difficulty since last summer, when they were forced to bid farewell to icon Lionel Messi.
Boss Xavi Hernandez has gone public with his wish to keep De Jong at the club, but the decision is likely to go above his head. "I haven't talked with him about his future," Xavi explained. "He is playing at a very good level and has to continue here – he can be one of the best midfielders in the world for years to come.
"If it were up to me, I would continue here for many more years. He is very important and can mark an era here. He has to score, assist and he has to be the protagonist."
The pair actually clashed when De Jong walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted against Rayo Vallecano last month, but have since held clear the air talks.
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In those talks the Barcelona manager is thought to have told De Jong he intends to keep him as the Netherlands international remains a key part of his plans. However, it remains unclear as to whether the club's directors agree - especially given the backdrop of financial turmoil and Barcelona's need to make four times the amount they spend in the coming window.
De Jong is the clear and obvious candidate in terms of one figure who could generate plenty of funds on his own, with the gifted midfield orchestrator attracting plenty of potential suitors. United's 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City are also interested in securing his signature.
Xavi hasn't always appeared so passionate about the idea of keeping De Jong at the club amid reports in Italy that the Barcelona manager actually gave the midfielder permission to leave the club as he harboured plans of replacing him with out of contract AC Milan star Franck Kessie.
