Barcelona boss Xavi makes Frenkie de Jong 'beast' admission amid Manchester United interest

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Barcelona manager Xavi has made a fresh declaration over Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman has been mooted with a reunion with incoming Reds boss Erik ten Hag after the 52-year-old confirmed he would be leaving Eredivisie champions, Ajax, for the Premier League.

United are eager to improve their midfield after the position came underfire during the current campaign. Nemanja Matic has already confirmed his departure this summer with Paul Pogba's exit also looming as his contract edges towards expiry.

The Manchester Evening News reported earlier this month that the Reds were weighing up a £75m move for the midfielder. READ MORE: Dalot part of Ten Hag's plans Speaking ahead of Barcelona's final La Liga match of the season, he said: "For me, Frenkie is a great player, he’s a beast – I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club. "We will see the economic situation of the club… but I like de Jong." Barcelona's financial woes have been well documented as they were forced to allow Lionel Messi's departure to Paris Saint-Germain last year, De Jong had a difficult start to the campaign but flourished under the legendary Spaniards stewardship. Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.