Frenkie de Jong revealed he was ‘flattered’ by Manchester United’s interest after the Holland midfielder shone in their 3-2 win against Wales.
The Barcelona star is United’s top summer target, with new manager Erik ten Hag hoping to reunite with the player who was so important to him at Ajax.
‘You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player, but I’m at the biggest club in the world right now and I feel fine there, so no news,’ De Jong said when asked about United’s pursuit of him.
Barcelona values De Jong at around £70 million as they consider him to be one of the best midfielders in the game.
He was the star of the show for the Dutch against Wales, who came close to escaping with a point after going 2-0 down.
United’s interest in Christian Eriksen of Denmark does not rule out a deal for De Jong, who is seen as their top target, according to Sportsmail.
Eriksen’s availability as a free agent appeals to United, who are operating on a shoestring budget this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Even though the 30-year-old former Tottenham and Ajax star is not a priority position for United – with Donny van de Beek set to return to Old Trafford as a competitor for Bruno Fernandes – the club must replace three attacking midfielders following the departures of Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, and Paul Pogba.
United consider Frankie De Jong as a different style of midfielder and will continue talks with Barcelona for the former Ajax star, who is valued at £70 million, regardless of Eriksen’s future.
United are yet to submit a formal bid for the 25-year-old Holland international but are willing to walk away from the deal if the two sides cannot agree on a price.
Before joining Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong played under Ten Hag as Ajax reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
‘For me, he is a very essential player,’ Barcelona manager Xavi remarked last month of De Jong. ‘He has virtually always been a starter.
‘He is a fundamental footballer but then there is the economic situation, on which we all depend.
‘We need to know the financial situation in order to make some decisions and then we will take one decision or another – I don’t mean with Frenkie – I mean in general.
‘He is a player that I like a lot, but we will see what the situation is.’
