Manchester United-linked Frenkie de Jong has revealed that his agent is "taking care" of contract negotiations with Barcelona.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford since the appointment of fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag at the beginning of last season.
Ten Hag worked with De Jong at former club Ajax before the midfielder joined Barcelona for around €75m in the summer of 2019.
De Jong has since made 189 appearances for the Catalan giants across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing 21 assists, and he played 33 times in the club's La Liga title-winning campaign in 2022-23.
Man United allegedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign the Netherlands international in the summer of 2022, but the midfielder turned down the move to Old Trafford and repeatedly expressed his desire to remain at Camp Nou.
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A recent report claims that the Red Devils will reignite their interest in De Jong during the January transfer window, with Ten Hag determined to lure his compatriot to the red side of Manchester.
A separate report has stated that De Jong is yet to enter negotiations over a new contract, with his current deal due to expire in June 2026.
However, De Jong has insisted that he remains "happy" at Barca and has suggested that his agent is in talks with the club over a contract renewal.
Speaking to reporters, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano, after Barca's 5-0 Champions League win over Royal Antwerp on Tuesday, De Jong said: "My contract renewal? My agent is taking care of that, but I'm happy here".
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Barcelona boss Xavi has also expressed his desire to keep hold of De Jong, a first-team regular under the Catalan coach, and hopes that the midfielder can extend his current deal.
"Of course I'd extend Frenkie de Jong's contract with my eyes closed," Xavi told reporters. "He's key player for us – he's in the best moment of his career now".
Barcelona have already tied six players down to new contracts this season, with teenage left-back Alejandro Balde the latest name to commit his future to the club, who announced on Wednesday that he has signed a contract until June 2028.
First-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has also penned a new five-year deal, while Fermin Lopez (2027), Inaki Pena (2026) Marcos Alonso and Sergi Roberto (both 2024) also signed contract extensions earlier this summer.
Oliver Thomas
