TODD BOEHLY is reportedly a huge admirer of Frenkie de Jong.
And the Chelsea owner is plotting a £70million transfer raid to land the midfielder from under Manchester United’s noses.
De Jong, 25, was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer as Barcelona put him under an ultimatum to leave or cut his salary.
Manchester United agreed to pay around £72m while Chelsea wanted to take him on loan – before he ended up staying put at the Nou Camp.
According to Football Insider, though, Boehly wants to go back in for De Jong this summer as a top priority.
And they could Barca’s resolve with a £70m bid in an attempt to make him the latest big-money arrival since the American tycoon took over at Stamford Bridge.
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De Jong is understood to be happy at the Nou Camp again and has been a key cog in Xavi’s side marching towards the LaLiga title.
The Barcelona manager said last month: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
“He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.
“He is in a great moment, like the whole team.”
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However, the financial mess at the Catalan giants remains and they could be forced into selling one of their most valuable assets.
The Blues may still face competition from United, though, with Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with his ex-Ajax star.
Barcelona are said to be preparing for life without De Jong and have lined up Manchester City and Germany man Ilkay Gundogan as his replacement.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
