Barcelona manager Xavi has insisted that he is not trying to “send messages” to Frenkie de Jong by playing him out of position while Manchester United chase his signature.
De Jong has been involved in a drawn-out transfer saga , with United manager Erik ten Hag desperate to land the Dutchman so he can take a central role in his side for the upcoming season. Initial reports that an initial transfer fee for De Jong of £56.2million had been agreed have proved wide of the mark, but United have vowed not to give up on a deal despite Barca dragging their heels.
The 25-year-old is currently away on Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the US, but his future remains uncertain. The midfielder appears frustrated by the transfer saga and recently liked a post on Instagram from a user who wrote: "I dislike the way we have handled Frenkie's situation."
