De Jong confirms Manchester United transfer talks with Barcelona

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was keen on a reunion with De Jong after working with him at Ajax and despite Barcelona's willingness to do business, the transfer failed to materialise in part, due to De Jong demanding to be paid deferred wages from previous years.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport Voetbal earlier this week, De Jong admitted he had a 'situation' with Barca president Joan Laporta due to a willingness to sell him and ease their financial woes. 

In a fresh interview with fellow Dutch broadcaster NOS, he revealed that Man Utd indeed tried to prise him away from Camp Nou.

 "Manchester United already spoke with Barcelona [last summer] despite the fact that I wanted to stay here," De Jong said.

 He added: "The club was in a difficult situation. They were able to sell me for a big fee, and they wanted to do this, but I did not want to leave so I stayed. 

"If everything goes well for me and for the club, then I want to stay here for as long as possible."