Chelsea are now reportedly planning to hijack a deal for top Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong. 😬 More here! ➡
The Red Devils are understood to have been in pursuit of FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong since Erik ten Hag was announced as their new manager in April.With a number of bids put in over the past three months, it is reported the two clubs finally agreed to a £72 million fee for the Dutchman earlier in July.
However, the deal is yet to be completed, with reports in Spain suggesting that De Jong does not want to leave Barca for United, while it is also said he has concerns about the deferred wages owed to him by the Spanish club. This has seemingly opened up an opportunity for another team to potentially swoop in and make an offer for the midfielder., new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is now"preparing a formal proposal" as they look to enter the race for De Jong's signature.
It is further claimed that while De Jong reportedly wants to stay at the Camp Nou, if he is forced to leave, he would prefer to join a club that is playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, something the Red Devils cannot offer him but Chelsea can. Will De Jong become the next star to play for both Chelsea and Barcelona in his career? Here are 10 others: