Erik ten Hag has suggested that Manchester United remain keen on Frenkie de Jong, admitting that the Dutch star would “strengthen any squad”.

The Red Devils spent much of the summer transfer window in 2022 attempting to put a deal in place with Barcelona for the cultured Netherlands international midfielder.

De Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window even though he repeatedly insisted he wanted to stay at Barcelona.

Links with United have refused to go away though, with Barca still under pressure to cut costs at Camp Nou, and it may be that interest from England is rekindled in upcoming windows.

Frenkie brought a lot of that fascination and he has developed over the following years in Spain. He's a fantastic player and has become even better.

Ter Stegen has kept 16 clean sheets and conceded just seven goals in 21 La Liga matches so far this season for Barcelona.

De Jong and Barcelona will come up against Manchester United next as Xavi's side welcome the Red Devils to Camp Nou on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League knockout play-off tie.

De Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 and has gone on to take in 166 appearances across his time in Catalunya, while still being tied to a contract through to 2026.