Man Utd dealt blow in De Jong pursuit

James Shearman

• Updated: 18 Mar 2023 20:50 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The 25-year-old, who was linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer, is determined to stay at Camp Nou.

De Jong told TV3: ''I hope I will play at the new Camp Nou. Barcelona is the club of my dreams, so I plan to stay for many years.''

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The Dutchman is a top target for United boss Erik ten Hag, who coached him at Ajax.

And while Fred has been in fine form, De Jong would be the ideal partner for Casemiro.

While Chelsea are also interested in the Barca man, potentially as a partner for record signing Enzo Fernandez in midfield.

Chelsea want De Jong

Chelsea have made Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong their top midfield target for the summer, according to Football Insider.

De Jong reportedly tops a four-man central midfield shortlist, also including Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, West Ham’s Declan Rice and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

De Jong is considered the most acquirable of the four for Chelsea.

The west London club are hoping that Barcelona will listen to offers for De Jong due to the financial problems engulfing the club.

The Blaugrana must reduce their wage bill by around €200m before they are able to sign new players.

De Jong is one of the highest earners at the club and also one of the few players who can bring in a big transfer fee.

The asking price is reported to be around €80 million.