'I didn’t bother' - Frenkie de Jong opens up on Manchester United saga and gives transfer update

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Frenkie de Jong says he expects to remain at Barcelona next season, warding off interest from Manchester United after last year’s "restless" summer chase.

The midfielder insists he never wavered from his stance on wanting to stay at the Nou Camp despite the approach from United, saying he was not worried by the speculation.

The Reds had agreed a deal in principle for the playmaker before negotiations fell through due to a wage deferral dispute. While the player was publicly adamant about remaining in Spain, he was privately open to the idea of a reunion with his former Ajax boss.

Ten Hag still remains open to a De Jong transfer, albeit has Mason Mount in his sights after agreeing personal terms. The Netherlands international was once again recently asked by Voetbal International whether he will stay at Barcelona beyond this summer. “That has been clear to me, also last summer when things were restless for a while,” he said, referencing United’s pursuit. ALSO READ: United to release defender ahead of summer “I always knew that I wanted to stay at Barcelona, that’s why it wasn’t so stressful for me last summer.