Xavi gives update on Frenkie de Jong as Manchester United target benched for Barcelona opener

Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted Frenkie de Jong is still part of his plans, despite naming him on the bench for their La Liga opener on Saturday.

Manchester United have spent the summer chasing De Jong’s signature after Erik ten Hag identified his former Ajax protégé as an ideal addition for the club. The Reds though have been left frustrated in their attempts to prise him away from the Nou Camp, despite agreeing a fee last month.

Xavi and Barca president Joan Laporta have maintained that they don’t want to sell the midfielder. The Catalan giants though are in a precarious financial position – De Jong is still owed €17m over a wage deferral he agreed to in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The 25-year-old would prefer to stay at Barcelona though, and for the time being, he remains in Xavi’s plans. De Jong was a second-half substitute on Saturday night as Barca opened their La Liga season with a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano.

The Netherlands international though could be in line for a start against Real Sociedad next week after Sergio Busquets picked up a late second yellow, ruling him out through suspension. There is still doubt over his long-term future, with new signing Jules Kounde missing Saturday’s curtain-raiser as he was not allowed to be registered.

Asked about his midfielder’s position at the Nou Camp, Xavi responded after the game: "Frenkie de Jong is not a reserve player, I’ve said that several times. He’s an important player for us.

"I don’t know what will happen, but if Frenkie stays he will be important to us. Just look at the situation he played in today."

United will be keen to add to their ranks