MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a fresh blow in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong after Xavi revealed Barcelona’s January transfer plans.
De Jong‘s transfer to Old Trafford was one of the saga’s of the summer, but failed to yield a move despite both clubs pushing hard for it to manifest.
After failing to land De Jong, United ended up signing Casemiro to bolster their midfield.
But the Red Devils have retained their interest in the Dutchman.
However, a move for him in January appears to have been ruled out by Barca boss Xavi after he revealed he believed it would be a “quiet” window for them.
Xavi told reporters in Spain: “I don’t want Memphis (Depay) or any other player to leave in January.
“I think it’s going be a quiet window for us.”
It comes after a sensational report indicated De Jong was now keen on a Camp Nou exit.
The Blaugrana’s financial situation has led them to use a number of financial “levers” to take out loans financed against the club’s future revenue in order to balance the books.
However, a fresh report from Catalunya Radio has indicated the club cannot repeat the same trick they pulled in the summer to bring in the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde.
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The Spanish giants are also said to be around £176,000million (€200m) over their wage budget, an issue not helped by the club’s Champions League group stage elimination.
Regardless, Erik ten Hag and Co are having issues of their own at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo – who has now been unveiled by Al Nassr – departed the club after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, and Anthony Martial continues to be plagued by fitness worries.
Ten Hag has reiterated the need for the club to find a striker which matches their sporting and financial needs, but said they will not “burn money.”
He said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available.
“But with many games coming up, I think there is a need (to sign a striker).
“But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.”
After missing out on Cody Gakpo, the likes of Joao Felix, Marcus Thuram, and Olivier Giroud are being considered by United.
