Barcelona 'keen to keep hold of Luuk de Jong this summer'

Barcelona are reportedly working to extend the loan deal of Luuk de Jong for another season.

The 31-year-old moved to the Catalan giants on loan from Sevilla last August, and he has been a regular for the club this season, making 24 appearances in all competitions, contributing seven goals and one assist.

As it stands, De Jong will return to his parent club this summer, and it had been thought that Barcelona were not interested in retaining the experienced striker for the 2022-23 campaign.

However, according to Sport, the La Liga outfit are keen to keep hold of the Netherlands international for another season, with head coach Xavi delighted with his contribution.

The report claims that the Catalan club want to sign De Jong on the same salary with no fee, and it will be up to Sevilla to decide whether they are prepared to agree to another season.

The experienced forward scored the winner in Barcelona's 3-2 league success at Levante last weekend but could not help the club beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday.

De Jong's current deal with Sevilla is due to run until June 2023.