Manchester United will be keeping tabs on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong ahead of January, says journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The 25-year-old, who was a target for United during the summer, has been in and out of Xavi's side this season, and O'Rourke can see the Manchester club returning for him if that continues.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What is the latest news involving De Jong?

According to SPORT, De Jong is currently annoyed with his situation at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The Dutchman has not had a big role in Barcelona's campaign so far, making just one start for them in the Champions League.

This comes after United did everything they could to bring him to Old Trafford during the summer. As per The Athletic, the Premier League outfit actually reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign De Jong, but the former Ajax man did not budge.

With Xavi having overlooked him at times this season, you now have to wonder if he made a mistake staying in Spain.

What has O'Rourke said about De Jong and United?

If things do not improve, O'Rourke thinks United will make another move for De Jong in January or next summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "Missing out on De Jong was a big blow for Manchester United, as they pursued him pretty much all summer and then failed to get him in the end, so I'm sure they'll be keeping tabs on his situation at Barcelona.

"And if he's not playing there, I'm sure Manchester United will be back in for him. If it's not in January, then in the summer. I think Ten Hag knows he needs to add a bit more creativity to his midfield."

Will United reignite their interest in De Jong?

It would not be a surprise. The Netherlands international, who is valued at about £105m by the CIES Football Observatory, is a player Ten Hag seemed to really want - and it is not hard to see why.

Described as an "exceptional signing" by Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta when he joined the La Liga outfit a few years ago, De Jong is obviously a very talented midfielder.

As per FBref, De Jong has ranked in the 83rd percentile for progressive passes and the 97th for progressive carries among his positional peers over the last year. He would have really helped United with moving the ball forward had he gone there.

The Barcelona star is also someone Ten Hag knows well, with the two working with each other at Ajax. Ultimately, from United's perspective, a transfer made a lot of sense, and it will now be interesting to see if it is something they revisit in the near future.