Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has reportedly told his teammates that he could join Manchester United before the end of the transfer window.
The speculation surrounding the Netherlands international's future continues, with Man United still working to sign him, while Chelsea are also believed to be in the hunt for his signature.
De Jong was named on the bench for Barcelona's 2022-23 La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night, although he was introduced in the 60th minute of what proved to be a goalless draw.
The Catalan side's head coach Xavi refused to rule out a summer exit for the Dutchman when asked for an update on the situation during a press conference at the end of last week.
"It is the same as Auba (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang), he (De Jong) is important for me. He's in the squad and we will use him. I don't know what will happen between now and 31 August, but not just with Frenkie or with Auba, with almost everyone in the squad," Xavi told reporters.
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A recent report claimed that Man United are hopeful of finally concluding a deal for the 25-year-old over the next seven days, as the club look to end the long-running transfer saga.
According to Sport, De Jong has told his Barcelona teammates that he could make the move to Erik ten Hag's side before the end of the transfer window.
The midfielder is said to be furious with how the Catalan outfit have treated him this summer, believing that he is being forced out of the club, who still owe him a substantial sum in unpaid wages.
Due to Barcelona's financial issues and the issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, De Jong came to an agreement which would see him have the money, thought to be in the region of £17m, transferred over the remainder of his contract, which is set to run until 2026.
The midfielder made 46 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing four goals and five assists in the process for Xavi's side.
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Man United are believed to have come to an agreement with Barcelona over a €85m (£71.5m) deal, although the English club still have a battle to convince him to make the move to Old Trafford.
The team's absence from the 2022-23 Champions League is believed to be a huge issue when it comes to selling the move to the former Ajax youngster.
Man United have also started their new Premier League campaign with back-to-back defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, which has left them bottom of the Premier League table on zero points.
The 20-time English champions have also allegedly held talks with Atletico Madrid over a possible deal for Spain forward Alvaro Morata before the end of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, the club remain in discussions with French midfielder Adrien Rabiot over a move from Juventus.
Matt Law
