Xavi issues update on Frenkie de Jong's Barcelona future amid Manchester United transfer links

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Barcelona head coach Xavi has admitted that Frenkie de Jong is a "very important player" in his plans for both the here and now and for the future amid ongoing links with a move to Manchester United.

Following Erik ten Hag's appointment as United boss just over a week ago, links connecting De Jong with a move to Old Trafford have escalated.

The midfielder played under Ten Hag at Ajax and was a roaring success. He joined Barcelona from the Dutch giants in the summer of 2019, in a deal worth more than £60million.

Despite joining the Spanish club as one of the most exciting, attention-grabbing youngsters in world football at the time, he has struggled to live up to expectations in La Liga. READ MORE: Manchester United are finally making decisions that should have been made years ago In 136 appearances for the club, he has netted just 13 goals and grabbed 17 assists.