The midfielder’s future at Barcelona has been under the scanner all summer due to interest from Manchester United.

 

He was Erik ten Hag’s number one target but the club signed Casemiro from Real Madrid this month after waiting to sort out a deal for the Dutchman.

 

 

Chelsea have also been linked with an interest in him but he is now largely expected to stay at Barcelona, which has always been his top preference.

 

However, the rumour mill started moving again earlier today when the midfielder was spotted taking a flight to London.

 

 

It led to fresh speculation over a transfer away from Barcelona but it has been claimed that the trip has nothing to do with him leaving the club.

 

Barcelona’s players have a couple of days off and De Jong is on his way to London for a different purpose.

 

 

Memphis Depay is also heading to London with his Barcelona and Netherlands team-mate today.

 

De Jong is expected to be a Barcelona player on 2nd September but he will not be taking a pay cut.

 

The midfielder has started just one of Barcelona’s opening three La Liga games this season.