News that Manchester United will reignite their interest in Frenkie de Jong may once again come to nothing after the star declared Barcelona his dream club.

The Red Devils have made no secret of their desire to sign the 25-year-old. They attempted to prise him away from the Nou Camp last summer but were unable to complete a deal. The main stumbling block appeared to be the fact that the Netherlands international does not want to leave Barca.

Many pundits felt United would get their man but he remained with the LaLiga giants and continues to shine.

The former Ajax schemer has enjoyed 19 starts from 23 top-flight appearances this term, scoring twice.

And it is his presence in the centre of the park that has helped Xavi’s side move nine points clear at the top of the standings.

His transfer fee would be astronomical given the fees paid for players over the past 12 months.

The Dutchman is one of the hottest properties in Europe. And only a few clubs would be able to match his valuation.

It was reported earlier his week that Manchester United have not given up hope of landing the man with 50 Netherlands caps.

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However, the Old Trafford giants will probably have to look elsewhere after De Jong’s latest comments.

“Barca has always been the club of my dreams and, therefore, I hope to be able to continue there for many more years,” he 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.”

Huge Man Utd bid could tempt Barca over De Jong

Barcelona are now back at the pinnacle of Spanish football after losing out to Real Madrid last season.

Their financial struggles have been well publicised although they did receive a cash injection last summer.

However, reports in January claimed the European heavyweights’ finances are still very much a matter for concern.

Therefore a mega-bucks offer from United or another club might back the Catalans into a corner.

Indeed, earlier this week, a report stated that Barca felt they were ‘lucky’ they did not sell him last summer.

Whether that lucks holds out in a few months time only time will tell. But whatever happens, it is clear that the versatile midfielder’s mind is focused on the job in hand.

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

De Jong signed for Barca in January 2019 and made his debut in August of that year.

He has made 121 league appearances, most of them starts, and been seen 173 times in all competitions.

United would love to have him in the ranks and it is still a possibility.

But it will take a mammoth bid to persuade his employers to part company with a player who clearly loves his current surroundings.

READ MORE: Liverpool jump Man Utd and Arsenal in race to sign LaLiga phenom who’s already hinted which club he’ll join

The article Man Utd target’s latest response set to shape Ten Hag’s summer transfer business as superstar reiterates long-term ambitions appeared first on Teamtalk.com.