Barcelona manager Xavi has suggested Frenkie de Jong will be used as a centre back if he does not join Manchester United this summer.
The 25-year-old continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford and new boss Erik ten Hag sees him as a priority transfer.
A fee of €75 million is agreed between the clubs but de Jong is refusing to leave, with the Blaugrana still owing him €17 million after he deferred wages during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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If he chooses to stay at the Camp Nou, there is no guarantee he will play in his favoured midfield position.
Franck Kessie arrived as a free agent earlier in the window while teenage sensations Pedri and Gavi continue to develop.
Both of de Jong's pre-season appearances have been off the bench as a defender and Xavi thinks the Netherlands international has all the tools needed to play at the back.
He told reporters following Sunday's 1-0 win over Real Madrid: "I’m not here to send messages. I already spoke with Frenkie, I value him very much. He’s key player, but then there’s economic situation and Financial Fair Play…
"He can give us a lot also as a centre back."
Barcelona have added Andreas Christensen to their defence and are currently working on a deal for Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
As well as Kessie and Christensen, they have also signed Raphinha from Leeds United and Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich.
The Catalan giants need to sell to balance their wage bill and president Joan Laporta says further talks are planned with de Jong regarding his situation.
"He's our player, he's a high-quality player. We like him very much," Laporta explained to ESPN per The Athletic.
"We have to clarify some aspects of his position but right now he's playing for Barcelona.
"He has some offers but at the moment we didn't accept the offers because we want to talk to him to know exactly what he wants."
United are willing to wait for de Jong and understand having him by the time the Premier League season begins is unlikely.
The Red Devils start their campaign at home to Brighton on August 7.
Topics: Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona
Daniel Marland