Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their long-running pursuit of Frenkie de Jong after Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted the midfielder isn’t for sale.
The Netherlands international is United’s top target in the summer transfer window, and negotiations have been ongoing between the clubs for weeks.
Recent reports said that a deal worth £56.2m plus add-ons had been agreed, with personal terms still needing to be worked out.
However, Laporta threw a spanner in the works when asked about the move.
“There are many clubs that want him, not just Man United. We have no intention of selling him, he wants to stay,” Laporta said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
He added: “I'm going to do everything to keep Frenkie, but there’s also a salary issue and that would have to be adjusted”.
United are yet to complete a signing this summer, and Chelsea are considering joining the race for De Jong as protracted talks drag on.
Things were made worse for the Old Trafford club when news broke on Saturday that Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to be allowed to leave if a suitable offer comes in from a team competing in the Champions League.
One deal does look like it’s nearing completion though, as left-back Tyrell Malacia is expected to soon undergo a medical and complete his move from Feyenoord.
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Frenkie de Jong has been United's top target this summer and the Red Devils are close to agreeing a deal - although they remain willing to walk away if the price isn't right and Harry Maguire even came up in talks at one point.
A bid has been submitted for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, while United are closing in on Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.
Marco Asensio of Real Madrid has emerged as a surprise target, but Erik ten Hag will have a budget of just £100 million to work with this summer.
