CHELSEA have reportedly won the race to sign Frenkie de Jong with the club close to agreeing a £67.6million deal with Barcelona.
The news will come as a huge blow to Manchester United who had made the midfielder their No1 target this summer.
Despite the 25-year-old claimed to be unwilling to depart the Nou Camp, Barca are pushing for him to leave.
According to Sport, Chelsea and Barca are in advanced negotiations over a £67.6m transfer.
They state that the Blues only opened talks a few days ago to sign the Dutch midfielder, but they have acted quickly in trying to secure his services.
The Red Devils are understood to have already agreed a deal with the LaLiga outfit for De Jong, but he is refusing to make the move to Old Trafford.
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But in a boost for Chelsea, they can offer the ex-Ajax maestro Champions League football, whereas United will be competing in the Europa League this term.
However Sport have insisted that the final decision will come down to De Jong.
They state that the player is aware the Spanish giants are prepared to sell him to ease their financial situation.
That is despite president Joan Laporta and boss Xavi keen for him to stay at the club.
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De Jong was offered an ultimatum by Barca last month to either accept a pay cut or be sold.
Barcelona already owe De Jong £17m in unpaid wages after the midfielder agreed to defer the payment of his salary during the pandemic.
It has even been said that the Spanish giants are threatening legal action against De Jong in their quest to get him to slash his wages.
Still, Sport have insisted that it remains to be seen whether he will depart Catalonia before the transfer window shuts.
The next few hours are believed to be crucial with Chelsea in constant contact agent with De Jong’s team as they look to convince him to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
