Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has stated that Barcelona have "no intention of selling" Frenkie de Jong, despite reports elsewhere saying that a deal in principle has been agreed between Manchester United and the Spanish club.
In a Saturday evening which started badly through the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club, it's got even worse for United fans.
After reports over the last week have suggested that the deal is on the verge, Laporta has denied that his midfield player is going anywhere.
It was believed by a number of reliable reporters that Barca and United had agreed a deal in principle for the sale of De Jong.
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The midfielder is touted to be a centrepiece of Erik ten Hag's plans at Old Trafford, but Laporta's words would suggest the deal is not as close as first thought.
Speaking on the topic to Spanish reporters, the Barca president praised the Dutch player's qualities while clarifying that the club, nor the player, wants a move to go through.
"There are clubs that want him, not just United." He began. "We have no intention of selling him, he wants to stay
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"Frenkie is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world by all the experts.
"We are happy to have him.
"I'm going to do everything I can in my power so that Frenkie stays here.
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"But there’s also a salary issue and that would have to be adjusted."
It is a crazed situation for United supporters who believed that a completion for the deal would be around the corner.
While this could also be a strategy by Laporte, since all reports had suggested that the transfer was heading in the correct direction.
It would not be the first time that a club president would avoid the truth in the face of the media.
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In fact, reliable news on Saturday morning said that Laporta is waiting for the move to go through before sanctioning other moves in the transfer market.
It will be a matter of time before we know the full story.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Barcelona, Frenkie De Jong, Joan Laporta, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League
