A transfer claim regarding Manchester United's chances of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer has emerged...
What's the word?
Super-journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on United's pursuit of the former Ajax starlet, ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Romano took to his Twitter page to relay the claim which read: "Barca manager Xavi shuts down rumours on Frenkie de Jong leaving & Man Utd links."
The Italian's tweet contained quotes from Xavi on the potential departure of de Jong, with the Barcelona manager saying this: "Frenkie's a very important player for me and for the club. He has to mark an era.
"I'm happy with him. If it were up to me he'll continue for many years at Barca."
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Ten Hag will be gutted
With Ten Hag's recent appointment at Manchester United amidst fluctuating game-time for Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, it looked like this reunion was written in the stars for the Old Trafford side.
Since departing Ten Hag's Ajax back in the summer of 2019, the Netherlands star has continued his development across his total of 136 appearances for the Blaugrana.
With Paul Pogba's rumoured departure, a move for the 24-year-old looked like a sure-fire switch, with the Dutch coach enjoying unlimited success with de Jong - winning the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup - in a season that saw Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
The signing of the midfield maestro would have been the epitome of the next chapter for United, with the £63m-rated midfielder offering something completely different in the Red Devils' engine room.
De Jong is quite simply a pass master, averaging an insane 90% pass completion total per 90, with an average total of 56 passes per match.
The Netherlands international is forward-thinking. His passing is productive and allows his side to progress the ball forward, whilst also creating a number of chances for his teammates - with his shot-creating actions total of three per 90 reflecting this.
Though, his style is much more offensive than defensive, with his metrics for the latter looking poor, considering his position.
As such, United may have had a lucky escape, as it is no secret that the lack of defensive solidity across the midfield has been one of the biggest issues for the side this season.
United need to identify a well-rounded and unselfish central midfielder who can cover both aspects of the game, as well as an outright central defensive midfielder who sits back and acts as the metronome.
It would have been nice to see de Jong reunite with Ten Hag, and although he may not be what the Red Devils need, it will be a big blow to the new boss nonetheless.