Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong is still intent on remaining a Barcelona player, according to a fresh claim from Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Constant De Jong rumours

Few players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford as intensely as the Dutchman this year, with his Camp Nou future continually up in the air.

De Jong enjoyed a good World Cup for the Netherlands, making five starts and averaging an 89.1% pass completion rate in Qatar, but it remains to be seen where his future lies.

Despite recent reports from Manchester Evening News that the player has spoken privately with United manager Erik ten Hag in which he gave assurances that he would be happy to reunite with his former Ajax boss at Old Trafford, a fresh claim from Romano suggests that there is only one scenario that the 25-year-old wants.

The Latest: De Jong wants to stay put

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed that De Jong is keen on staying at Barcelona rather than moving to United.

Romano said:

"Honestly, it sounds to me like it has always been the same story since a long time ago – Frenkie de Jong saying things privately. We spent the whole summer with this kind of story.

"The reality is that de Jong never changed his mind and he always wanted to stay at Barcelona so, at the moment, from what I’m told, there is nothing private."

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The Verdict: Feels increasingly unlikely

This update is undoubtedly a blow for United, with De Jong someone who could further transform their midfield, given his ability both in and out of possession, having averaged 2.4 tackles per game at the World Cup.

His aforementioned passing success rate from Qatar 2022 is exceeded by just two United players in this season's Premier League, while that tackling rate is bettered only by Casemiro at Old Trafford.

At 25, he would represent a much longer-term option than Casemiro and Christian Eriksen (both 30), while he could also link up effectively with the pair for a few years if he comes to Manchester in 2023.

However, it looks increasingly like United could have to look elsewhere to sign a midfielder in January or next summer, unless there is a drastic change in De Jong's mindset.