Man Utd in Memphis Depay transfer blow with Xavi wanting striker to stay at Barcelona despite Reds return interest

BARCELONA boss Xavi has admitted that he wants to keep Memphis Depay this month.

The forward has endured an injury hit campaign, featuring just twice for his club in LaLiga.

AlamyMemphis Depay has been heavily linked with a Barcelona exit[/caption]

Depay, 28, has been linked with a transfer return to Manchester United, where he played between 2015 and 2017.

But, despite his forward’s lack of action, Xavi wants to keep the Dutchman at Barcelona.

Quizzed about Depay’s future, the 42-year-old said: “I don’t want anyone to leave. I’m delighted with the squad.

“It seems there won’t be a market for us. I’m happy with Depay.

“His attitude is good and he will be important for us. He has the ability to make a difference.

“He’ll have minutes. Like all of them.”

Depay initially joined Man United from PSV in the summer of 2015

He made 53 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just seven times and laying on six assists.

Depay, 28, has hardly featured for Barca this seasonRex

The forward left after 18 months to join Ligue 1 side Lyon, where his fortunes changed.

Depay netted 76 goals and set up a further 55 in 178 outings for Lyon, before quitting on a free transfer to join Barca in the summer of 2021.

He scored 13 goals in his debut campaign for the Catalan side, but has become a forgotten man this season.

The muscular striker, who can also play on the wing, has made just two LaLiga appearances this term – with the most recent coming in September.

A thigh issue ruled him out until the World Cup, although he was fit enough to feature for the Netherlands in Qatar.

Depay was an unused substitute as Barca drew 1-1 with local rivals Espanyol on their return to domestic action last Saturday.

In addition to the Red Devils, Newcastle have also been linked with making a January swoop for Depay.

While Juventus were keen on him during last summer, only to fail to agree a deal.

GettyDepay played for Manchester United between 2015 and 2017[/caption]