The Red Devils are in advanced negotiations to sign De Jong ahead of the next season.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed the Spanish giants are under no pressure to sell Frenkie de Jong this summer.
Manchester United reportedly reached an agreement to sign De Jong on a £63m deal earlier this week. However, the Dutchman’s lack of interest in the move have prevented the Red Devils from finalizing the deal.
The Spanish outlets have claimed the Catalans are putting pressure on De Jong to leave the club. However, Laporta says the club don’t necessarily have to sell the Dutchman ahead of the next season.
“It’s not true that we are forced to sell Frenkie de Jong, this is not correct,” Laporta said.
“Frenkie’s trip to the United States [on the pre-season tour] will be decided by Xavi.”
Barcelona confirmed the signing of Raphinha from Leeds United on Friday.
The Catalans are keen to intensify their efforts to sign Robert Lewandowski in the coming days. But, they need to raise funds by receiving De Jong’s transfer fee from Man United.
Barcelona’s sporting director Mateu Alemany spoke about the situation during the same press conference.
“Frenkie is a very important player and we count on him. But we know La Liga’s Fair Play tells us to sell player,” Alemany said shortly after Laporta at the same media conference.
“I can’t say more [on Frenkie deal and Man Utd].”
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