"Man Utd are big fans of him..." - Romano drops transfer update over La Liga star

Manchester United remain interested in signing Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong in 2023, according to prominent transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Dutch international's potential move to United was one of the transfer sagas of the summer, with Barcelona reportedly rejecting several bids from Erik ten Hag's side for the midfielder.

The Athletic then claimed in mid-July that the two clubs had reached an agreement over an €85m deal for De Jong.

But the midfielder revealed in an interview after the window shut that he had already reached a decision to remain at Barcelona in May, and did not change that decision at any point during the summer.

And Barca boss Xavi has cooled transfer talk further this month, stating: "I don't want Memphis [Depay], or any other player, to leave in January. I think it's going to be a quiet window for us."

De Jong has been an important part of Xavi's side in recent months, after receiving little game time at the beginning of the campaign.

With the future of midfield veteran Sergio Busquets in doubt - his contract expires this summer, amid interest from MLS - Spanish outlet Sport claim the player is now 'indispensable'.

But United, it would appear, haven't closed the door on a potential deal for the 25-year-old just yet.

Man Utd still keen on De Jong

Romano has confirmed that, while there are no talks for the time being, United are still keen on bringing De Jong to Old Trafford.

He told GiveMeSport: 'At the moment, the situation is really quiet.

"Manchester United are big fans of him, and so is Erik ten Hag, but at the moment, there are no negotiations with Frenkie, with his agent or with Barcelona. So everything is absolutely quiet."

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, De Jong has told Ten Hag over the phone that he is now willing to join United, in what would represent a significant U-turn from his summer decision.

But the Red Devils may have to wait to do a deal, especially given the major initial outlay of £60 million - rising to £70m - spent to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid at the beginning of the season.

Given Ten Hag's fondness for the player, however, it may be that the club decide to complete the signing before other clubs can swoop, which they were unable to do in the case of Cody Gakpo's move to Liverpool.