Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is reportedly favouring a move to Manchester United during this summer's transfer window despite interest from Chelsea.
The Netherlands international's future remains the subject of much speculation, with Man United working to bring him to Old Trafford in the current market.
Chelsea are also thought to be showing an interest in the 25-year-old, with new Blues owner Todd Boehly said to have travelled to Barcelona to discuss potential transfers.
However, according to The Mirror, De Jong would choose to join Man United over Chelsea, with the midfielder keen on a reunion with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said on more than one occasion in recent days that De Jong is not for sale, with the Catalan outfit planning to keep hold of him.
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"There are clubs that want him, not just United. We have no intention of selling him, he wants to stay," Laporta recently told reporters. "Frenkie is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world by all the experts. We are happy to have him."
Meanwhile, the president later said at the unveiling of Franck Kessie: "Frenkie is not for sale. He is a Barcelona player. We don't want to transfer him."
However, it is believed that Man United are still confident of signing the Dutchman, with the move allegedly being held up due to Barcelona owing the midfielder £17m in deferred payments and bonuses.
De Jong's first choice this summer is thought to be to remain at Camp Nou, but the Catalan giants are in a difficult position due to their financial problems, and De Jong's wages are set to increase at the club next term, which would cause them more difficulties moving forward.
Man United are believed to be preparing an upfront fee of £56.2m for the midfielder, with the fee being raised through various add-ons.
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The former Ajax youngster made 46 appearances for Barcelona last season, contributing four goals and five assists in the process, while he has represented the club on 138 occasions in all competitions since arriving in July 2016, contributing 12 goals and 17 assists.
"I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice," the midfielder told ESPN.
"You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player," De Jong also told reporters in June. "But I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and feel fine there so there is no news."
De Jong also still has another four years left to run on his contract at Barcelona, who are believed to want a guaranteed fee of €75m (£64.6m) for the midfielder.
Man United had been hopeful that a deal for the Dutchman would be secured at this stage to allow him to travel on their pre-season tour, but the squad will head off to Thailand on Friday without De Jong on the plane.
Matt Law
