JOAN LAPORTA claims a number of clubs want Frenkie de Jong – but insists Barcelona have “no intention” of selling the Manchester United target.
The Netherlands international midfielder has emerged as a top transfer option for new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag after the pair worked together at Ajax.
Speculation mounted that United had agreed an initial £56million deal plus add-ons with Barca for De Jong.
It later emerged that Chelsea had joined the chase for the 25-year-old star.
United, who have confirmed full-back Tyrell Malacia as their first signing under Ten Hag in a £13m move from Feyenoord, are still confident that they can secure the services of the Dutchman.
However, a lot of that still depends on whether Barcelona are willing to sell or not, even though the Dutchman has said he wants to stay.
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And now their president has made it very clear that he intends to hang on to De Jong this season.
Laporta said: “There are clubs that want him, not just United.
“We have no intention of selling him, he wants to stay.
“Frenkie is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world by all the experts.
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“We are happy to have him.”
Laporta added: “I’m going to do everything I can in my power so that Frenkie stays here, but there’s also a salary issue and that would have to be adjusted.”
Skint Barca may still need to offload the star who has cost them a crippling £94million since joining three years ago.
That works out at an incredible £450k-a-week, when De Jong meets all his bonuses.
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