Frenkie de Jong has just told Erik ten Hag why he's the perfect signing for Man United project

Manchester United fans may feel like their club’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is dead in the water following his latest comments.

The midfielder has spoken about his preference to stay on at Barcelona next season despite rife rumours linking him with a reunion with ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Speaking to Dutch media, De Jong said he enjoyed working under the Dutch coach in his homeland but that he wants to keep the Nou Camp as his home.

He said: "I will not go into that [the links to United]. Not even about other names or clubs. I understand that that link is made. I have enjoyed working with Ten Hag at Ajax – and I can’t look into the future, of course. But I prefer to stay at Barcelona.”

READ MORE:Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong opens up on Erik ten Hag relationship

But the story is far from over. Barcelona’s well documented financial struggles saw all-time great Lionel Messi depart for Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

La Liga’s strict finance rules state that clubs are, in essence, only allowed to spend around 70 per cent of their revenue. Each club’s salary cap is calculated through a formula that involves costs, debts and incomings.

Because Barcelona’s debt reached an enormous £1.1billion last year, their salary cap was restricted to £83m. The club will find themselves in a tricky situation again this summer, which could ultimately mean they have to sell some of their assets. De Jong could be one of them.

If he is reluctantly shown the door, United can take the positives from his recent comments. The Netherlands international has clearly shown he is not one to jump ship as soon as a pretty offer comes in.

This is also evidenced by the fact he stayed on until the end of the season with Ajax in