Man United handed a HUGE blow as Barca chief Joan Laporta ‘never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong’

Joan Laporta has handed Erik ten Hag a huge blow ahead of the upcoming January transfer window by claiming he is not interested in selling midfielder Frenkie de Jong. 

The Dutch star was Manchester United’s No 1 target in the summer transfer window, though the player was unwilling to make the move and ended up staying at Barcelona. 

United have also entered the race for Jude Bellingham but could still make a move for De Jong as well, with the Dutchman set to return from a quarter-final exit from the World Cup – although Barca may seek to reduce his salary. 

Joan Laporta admitted that he was not interested in selling Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong

‘In midfield I have never wanted to sell Frenkie de Jong because he is one of the best players we have,’ claimed Laporta. 

‘He is one of the great talents, young, and one of the leaders of the team.’

United have good reason to seek a deal for the midfielder, who has played 13 of Barcelona’s 14 LaLiga games so far this season – with the Blaugrana currently top of the table. 

Barca chief Laporta described De Jong as ‘one of the great talents’ and one of his side’s leaders

With Sergio Busquets’ future at the club less than certain with his deal running up at the end of the season, De Jong’s place in the side could yet become more crucial with a vaccum at the heart of the midfield set to emerge. 

And the 25-year-old will become almost the senior figure in the middle of the park for Xavi’s side, with the likes of Gavi and Pedri also playing key rules under the former Blaugrana skipper. 

Despite their young ages – 18 and 20 respectively – both Spanish internationals have featured in every league game for Barcelona this season, and both played crucial roles for Spain in Qatar. 

Erik ten Hag’s side had been interested in the midfielder and made several approaches last summer

And their prominence for both club and country has seen the pair naturally compared to La Roja and Barca legendary partners Xavi and Andres Iniesta. 

‘Xavi has always been like that, he has never liked to show off, that’s why he said that Pedri and Gavi are better than him and Iniesta,’ claimed Laporta.

‘Obviously the comparison is logical, they play in the same positions and are similar but they are aware that to reach the level of Iniesta or Xavi they have to work hard and that’s where we are. 

‘Gavi is wilder, and Pedri is more focused. They both have a family environment that has helped them a lot. Their parents are extraordinary.’

Pedri and Gavi (R) have emerged as key stars for Barce despite their ages – 20 and 18 respectively