Man Utd suffer another transfer blow with European giants no longer willing to sell Ten Hag target

Barcelona are no longer willing to sell long-term Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.

The Netherlands international midfielder was part of a major transfer saga in the summer, with United heavily linked with acquiring his services throughout the window.

Barcelona rejected multiple bids from United for the player, who eventually decided to stay at Camp Nou and fight for his place in the first team squad.

Explaining his decision to turn down the Red Devils, De Jong told a press conference in September (quotes via Football Transfers): "I always wanted to stay at Barcelona, and this is why I always remained calm in the summer.

"I can't give too many details. Barca have their own ideas and I have mine, and sometimes they clash. But in the end, things went well.

"Chelsea and Man United interest? I already decided in May that I wanted to stay at Barcelona. I never changed this decision during the summer."

Spanish outlet Sport, meanwhile, claimed earlier in December that Barca remain insistent on reducing De Jong's salary as they battle to improve their financial status.

But new reports suggest a sale of the 25-year-old is out of question.

Man Utd target De Jong set to stay at Barcelona

Sport now say that Barcelona have decided they will keep De Jong at Camp Nou, as he has become an 'indispensible' member of the first team squad.

Part of this reason is due to the likely departure of Sergio Busquets, whose contract with the club expires this summer. The 34-year-old, who retired from international football with Spain at the end of the World Cup, has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami.

It is said that De Jong has become an 'important player' for Barca boss Xavi, meaning there is no consideration given towards him leaving the club in January.

The news may come as another major blow to Ten Hag, with United having missed out on Liverpool-bound Cody Gakpo.

The 23-year-old has agreed a deal to join the Reds for a fee believed to be in the region of £37 million, with transfer journalist Ben Jacobs claiming the Manchester club did not made a formal bid for the player, despite heavy interest.

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