Lionel Messi and Xavi disagree on Frenkie de Jong amid Man Utd transfer interest

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is not in agreement with Lionel Messi over the importance of Frenkie de Jong at the Camp Nou.

Xavi would rather have Manchester City star Bernardo Silva in his midfield ahead of the Dutch international and has communicated his preference for the Portuguese ace to the club. Barca are continuing to pursue a move for Silva, who City do not want to sell, but are aware that he would be a replacement for De Jong - both in sporting and economic terms - within their squad.

De Jong is the subject of a fresh approach from Manchester United while Barca's treatment of him - demanding he reduce his salary by half or leave the club - has been slammed as like the "mafia" by former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart. Ex Barca striker Gary Lineker has criticised the Blaugrana for treating the midfielder "like a piece of meat".

It comes amid a protracted saga over De Jong with both United and Chelsea pursuing a transfer. Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag recently instructed his side to remain patient on a deal after holding fresh talks with the player but the Blues are believed to be becoming increasingly confident of securing his signature.

De Jong's future remains unclear; the midfielder is the highest earner at the Camp Nou and is also owed a further €17million in amortizations this season. Yet no agreement for his exit has yet been found and he could end up staying at Barca beyond this transfer window.

While Xavi has not placed particular importance upon De Jong's position within the squad - he also did not start him in their La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano last weekend - that appears to be at odds with Messi's view on the Dutchman at Barca.

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Ronald Koeman, speaking last year to De Telegraaf, outlined how he and Messi were in agreement on De Jong's potential and the fact he had a huge part to play at Barcelona. Koeman said: "When I arrived I told Frenkie: 'This is your second season, you have to make a step higher now, you need to do more than just play along'. This sounds cruel, but he got the message.

"I told him to take more responsibility. To arrive in the opponent's box more. During these conversations I also involved Messi. Messi told Frenkie that he is a fantastic player. He becomes happy around a player like Frenkie, because he wants to have pure football players around him.

"When we talk with the three of us, Messi shares his opinion towards Frenkie. He always tries to activate him, as Messi believes that Frenkie can reach a much higher level. He finds him a very intelligent player."

But Xavi seems less enthusiastic about De Jong's role, now looking to upgrade by replacing him with Silva as he aims to restore Barcelona to former glories.

Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde have all joined Barca's ranks this summer as the club look to immediately challenge for major honours again after a three-season drought of the title in La Liga and without a Champions League final appearance since 2015. The club are also now monitoring a move for Silva and are close to signing Marcos Alonso from Chelsea.