Chelsea could be handed a huge incentive to pull the trigger in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong after it has emerged that Manchester United have revived their interest in Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
De Jong has been on many of Europe's top clubs transfer list over the past year after his future at Barcelona seemed in doubt following disputes over the club's financial struggles. Barca's problems in the bank have been well documented over the past few years with transfer fees owed to clubs and keeping hold of underperforming players on large wages - which will only be exacerbated by dropping out of the Champions League and into the Europa League.
Chelsea and United were both very keen on the Dutch midfielder in the summer but he decided to remain part of Xavi's squad. However, reports since the transfer window closed have insisted that the Blues, United and even Liverpool will all battle it out for the 25-year-old should he reverse his decision to remain in Spain.
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Todd Boehly is expected to be a busy man in the next two transfer windows as he and Graham Potter aim to continue the restructure of the playing squad at Stamford Bridge. And the American businessman could be set to be handed a clear run to sign De Jong by Erik ten Hag.
According to the Mirror, United have revived their interest in Bellingham after failing to sign the England international from Birmingham City in 2020. Despite having Sir Alex Ferguson show the midfielder around the Carrington training ground, Bellingham opted to join Bundesliga side Dortmund in a deal worth £25million.
The reports claim that the teenager has emerged as Ten Hag's top transfer target for next summer. The Red Devils signed Brazilian Casemiro last summer but are set to delve back into the transfer market for another world class figure to continue their resurgence under the Dutchman,
United's preference of Bellingham would possibly rule them out of the transfer battle for De Jong, meaning Chelsea's chances would drastically increase. The race for top four could hold a key factor in both transfers, with United knowing they must be able to offer Bellingham Champions League football should he make a return to England.
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