The Dutchman does not see Old Trafford as an attractive destination and does not boast a special relationship with Ten Hag.

Manchester United's search for a midfielder continues to drag on, with the latest rumors suggesting the Premier League giants are fighting a losing battle in their pursuit of Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman, who enjoyed a brilliant spell at Ajax under the current Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag, has been identified by the Red Devils as the ideal target. In fact, the English giants have already agreed a deal with the Catalan side worth reportedly $86M.

So what's the hold up? The player has no desire to leave the Camp Nou. The reliable Athletic go as far as claiming that a move to Manchester United is not appealing to the 25-year-old given that the Red Devils are in the UEFA Europa League and aren't favorites to challenge for silverware or a top-four finish next season.

Additionally, a reunion with Ten Hag is not as attractive as many assumed. Despite enjoying a brilliant time under his countryman at Ajax, De Jong and the highly-regarded tactician do not enjoy a special relationship together.

And to make things worse for the 20-time English champions, De Jong reportedly prefers a move to one of Manchester United's biggest rivals. According to Sport, Frenkie is settled in Catalonia and does not wish to leave, but if he were forced to wave goodbye to the Camp Nou, then he would wish to join no other club but Chelsea.

The Blues have UEFA Champions League to offer, having finished third in the Premier League last season behind Manchester City and Liverpool. Additionally, in Thomas Tuchel, the London giants boast a world-class manager who has won major titles before, having lifted the UEFA Champions League crown in his first year at Stamford Bridge.

Nonetheless, convincing De Jong to leave Barcelona has proven difficult for Laporta and Co., so this may not be a huge boost for Chelsea either. The Spanish heavyweights owe the player large sums of money in deferred wages, which he is not willing to forgo, and the midfielder is on a hefty wage package, which he has refused to lower.

As for Manchester United, recent reports claim that a move for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is being lined up in case the De Jong pursuit fails. Leicester ace Youri Tielemans is another option, but the Belgian maestro is also on Arsenal's radar as well.