Barcelona seek clarification on future of Manchester United key transfer target

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the La Liga giants have received offers for midfielder Frenkie de Jong - but is unsure what lies ahead for the Manchester United target.

The Dutch international is high on the agenda for new Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag after working under the former Ajax boss during their time at the Eredivisie club.

De Jong made 59 appearances during ten Hag’s reign at the Johan Cruyff Arena and helped Ajax claim the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup during the 2018/19 season.

The United boss is now said to be keen to on a reunion as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of his first season in charge at Old Trafford.

Despite a raft of speculation stating a deal was close to being agreed in recent weeks, de Jong remains part of the Barcelona squad and club president Laporta has urged the midfielder to clarify his situation with the Catalan giants.

He told ESPN: “Frenkie de Jong is our player, we really like him

"We received some offers for Frenkie but we didn't accept as of now, as we want to talk with him and know exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation”.

ten Hag has pressed on with other transfer deals and had already added Brentford star Christian Eriksen, Feyenoord full-back Tyrell Malacia and Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez to his newly inherited squad over the last month.

Although he refused to name de Jong as his next target, the Red Devils boss has recently discussed the need to further strengthen his midfield.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: “We are looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position but it has to be the right one.

“There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can’t find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position.

“I will not react on a certain player. We need the right player. We have a list and we qualify as the player who has the competence to play that role. We will strike the moment the player is available.”

Bayern Munich and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Dutchman.