Deco provides update on potential new deal for Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona sporting director Deco has said that there is nothing imminent regarding a possible new contract for Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou last year, with Manchester United spending much of Erik ten Hag's first transfer window as head coach chasing his signature.

De Jong made it clear on multiple occasions that he was not interested in an exit, though, and he overcame a shaky start to last season to become a key player once again.

The Netherlands international also started this season in Xavi's first XI, but he has been on the sidelines since the end of September with an ankle problem.

De Jong has another three years left to run on his contract, but Barcelona are said to be keen to hand him a new deal amid fresh speculation surrounding his future at the club.

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The club are having to tread carefully due to their financial problems, though, and Deco has said that there is nothing imminent regarding a new deal for the midfielder despite the recent speculation.

"This year we are not going to make any renewals. We do not talk about that," the club's former midfielder told SPORT.

"We are calm, without rushing, approaching the agents because we know that there are players who have this season and one or two more and at that time we will talk to the agents.

"Both parties have to be happy and we will see in the future. Frenkie is a great player, I like him. There are others in a similar situation, like Pedri, Raphinha, and Ferran [Torres] and they are players who have a contract and we are going to try to improve little by little but without getting into individualities.

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"It will depend on him and also on the club's situation, as well as in the case of other players. Of course, De Jong is a great player and we would like to have good players."

There has recently been concern surrounding De Jong's recovery from his ankle problem, as he did train ahead of El Clasico at the end of October but then reported with more pain on the morning of the match.

De Jong was also absent against Alaves in the league last weekend, but Barcelona boss Xavi has said that the Dutchman is expected to be back against Rayo Vallecano after the international break.

The former Ajax youngster has made 190 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and registered 21 assists, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup in the process.