CHELSEA have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer.
De Jong, 26, is finally open to leaving the La Liga giants at the end of the season.
According to journalist Lluis Canut, the Dutchman is underwhelmed with Barcelona’s current state both on and off the pitch.
And for the first time since arriving at the Nou Camp in 2019 he is “no longer closing the door on leaving” the club.
Man Utd pushed to sign him in the summer of 2022, shortly after Erik ten Hag took over as manager.
Following extensive talks, Barcelona accepted a huge bid worth £71.5million, but De Jong rejected the move.
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United are now set to re-enter the race for the midfielder, but they face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Blues are prepared to table a bid worth up to £85m for De Jong.
While Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed an interest in signing him.
The Dutchman joined Barcelona in a £64m transfer from Ajax in 2019 and has since made 205 first team appearances.
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Barca chiefs allegedly want to tie him down to a new contract until 2029, but they have found it “impossible” to reach an agreement.
Xavi’s side currently sit third in the La Liga table, eight points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
