Persecution in Barcelona, the world football star who will not escape Manchester United

Man United are looking for another midfielder this summer but have been told to drop another search for De Jong. Andy Cole has told Manchester United that he should forget about chasing Frenkie de Jong this summer given the player's reluctance to trade Camp Nou for Old Trafford.

The former striker also suggested the Reds don't need the Dutch playmaker and would therefore wonder why Erik ten Hag would want to make a clearance for his former Ajax midfielder given last summer's saga.

Painstakingly long negotiations last year ended in disappointment with De Jong's salary dispute with Barcelona ultimately too big an hurdle to overcome. In addition, De Jong had publicly maintained that his wish was to stay in Spain.

United had reached an agreement in principle for the Dutch star, but the player insisted he would stay at Barcelona despite his heavy debts, as Ten Hag turned to Casemiro. De Jong recently indicated that he would not consider moving this summer.

Crosses with De Jong

De Jong faced United when Barcelona faced the Reds in the Europa League play-off round in February. United emerged victorious and Cole argued that this showed who is currently the better team, despite their positions in their respective domestic leagues with Barcelona leading LaLiga by 12 points while United sit third in the Premier League.