Manchester United handed fresh Frenkie de Jong transfer blow

The Red Devils spent much of last summer's transfer window chasing the Netherlands international, who had been identified by incoming head coach Erik ten Hag as a leading target.

However, Man United were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempts to acquire De Jong, with Casemiro instead arriving in a big-money deal from Real Madrid.

The 20-time English champions are expected to prioritise the signing of a new centre-forward this summer, but it is also believed that the club are prepared to spend heavily on a central midfielder.

De Jong has again been linked with a move to Man United in recent weeks, with the club said to be preparing to reignite their interest during the summer market.

However, the 25-year-old has dealt Ten Hag's side a fresh blow by revealing that he is planning to stay at 'the club of his dreams for many more years'.

"Barca has always been the club of my dreams and, therefore, I hope to be able to continue there for many more years," De Jong told TV3.

"We are having a good season in La Liga, we haven't done so well in Europe, but, in general, we are moving forward."

De Jong has been a key player for Xavi's side during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 33 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist in the process.

Barcelona finished third in their Champions League section to drop into the Europa League, where they were beaten by Man United in the playoff round.

Xavi's side have already won the Spanish Super Cup this season, though, and they are chasing more success in both the Copa del Rey and La Liga.

Barcelona are currently nine points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table ahead of Sunday's El Clasico at Camp Nou.

"We have a good advantage over Real Madrid but there is still a long way to go. It's my fourth year and I haven't won the league. I really want to win it, like the rest of the team," added De Jong.

The Dutchman still has another three years left to run on his deal at Barcelona, but the club are under pressure to make a big sale this summer due to their financial issues.