Harry Maguire pointed a possible step to Barcelona this summer during Manchester United‘s negotiations for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
De Jong is Erik ten Hag’s main transfer target, but United were initially unable to reach an agreement with Barca on a transfer fee for the midfielder.
Reports last month claimed that Barcelona asked United if Maguire could be included as part of deal that will allow De Jong to move to Old Trafford.
However, the Sunday Mirror reports that Maguire had no intention of leaving United this summer.
“Some players, especially with some of the criticism flying around, would have been desperate to leave if Barcelona called,” a source close to Maguire told the newspaper. Sunday Mirror.
“But Harry is unmoved and wants to have a successful season at United.
“When it comes to mental strength, Harry has it in spades. As usual he will do what he does best.’
United have now reached an agreement €85 million (£72.2 million) deal with Barca for De Jongbut the midfielder’s preference was to stay at the Camp Nou.
De Jong’s agent is also in talks with Chelsea because the Dutch international would like to play Champions League football.
Speaking about De Jong’s situation earlier this month, Barca president Joan Laporta said: “He is a Barca player.
“And unless we feel the need or the interest in selling it, we won’t. Frenkie de Jong is not for sale.
“We know he has offers. And if at some point we’re interested in selling it, we’d think about it.
“But right now we don’t sell it.”
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