CHELSEA have reportedly told Barcelona they are interested in signing Frenkie de Jong.
The 25-year-old Dutch international has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.
Chelsea could be set to steal De Jong from under the nose of Man Utd Credit: Getty However, the deal has been held up due to Barcelona’s inability to pay the player the £24million they owe him in unpaid wages.
And now United could find themselves edged out of securing his signature as Chelsea prepare to come to the table.
According to Relevo, the Blues have told Barca they are working on a ‘formal proposal’ to bring De Jong to Stamford Bridge.
The report also states that a move to Old Trafford does not ‘seduce’ the former Ajax man.
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Pavard £30m deal lined up, Kounde £47m signing AGREED De Jong and United appeared to be a logical match given new boss Erik ten Hag coached the midfielder during his time in Holland.
But murmurings of a Chelsea bid have been rumbling for a while, with owner Todd Boehly flying to meet Barca chiefs earlier this month to discuss De Jong as well as other deals between the two clubs.
And now claims of a concrete offer will put the fear into United chiefs who had hoped to have finalised the transfer by now.
United will feel they are still in pole position to clinch a £72m move for the man who joined Barcelona in 2019.
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But Chelsea’s ability to offer him Champions League football next season is something the Red Devils simply cannot compete with.
De Jong has played 138 times for the Catalan giants, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists.
Ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield options despite the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred, Donny van de Beek, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen all already in his squad.
De Jong would be United’s fourth signing of the summer after Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Eriksen.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
