Frenkie de Jong has cast fresh doubt over a move to Manchester United by telling Barcelona teammates there is no chance he will leave.
United looked to have finally made the breakthrough in their long-standing pursuit of the Dutch midfielder when the two clubs agreed a deal worth up to £72million earlier this week.
But it appears that De Jong still has some lingering doubts over a move to Old Trafford with the 25-year-old believed to be settled in Catalonia.
Reports have also surfaced that the midfielder has instructed his agent to inform United CEO Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough to turn their attention elsewhere.
Despite De Jong’s reluctance to leave the Nou Camp, Barca have their sights set on his departure to enable the club to register their new signings and comply with financial fair play.
Barcelona officials met with De Jong on Thursday to inform him of the club’s position and the need for him to accept United’s proposal to help ease the financial burden.
But De Jong is standing his ground and remaining defiant with Spanish newspaper Sport reporting the Dutchman told his team-mates: “It is impossible for me to leave. How am I going to leave Barca?”
It appears that even the lure of working with his former boss at Ajax Erik ten Hag is not enough for the midfielder to uproot and move to the north west of England.
De Jong and his girlfriend recently bought a house and enjoy life in Barcelona while the midfielder still feels he can contribute to the Catalan giants on the pitch.
It appears that the saga will continue to rumble on with the club and player on different pages relating to his future.
United may have to show a little more patience if they are to finally land their target.
