Manchester United face yet another major problem in their pursuit of prime target Frenkie de Jong with Chelsea reportedly set to lodge a bid for his services.
The Red Devils have been linked with the Dutch midfielder for the vast majority of the summer transfer window with Erik ten Hag keen to be reunited with him at Old Trafford - with the pair having struck a fantastic relationship at Ajax.
Since then, De Jong has gone on to join Spanish giants Barcelona but with the Catalans’ severe financial problems, it was thought that they would be forced into a sale this summer.
United are struggling to get a deal over the line as it stands despite having agreed a fee with Barca for the midfielder’s services, a major stumbling block being a significant chunk of wages owed by the club, whilst De Jong also does not seem particularly convinced on a move to Old Trafford. He has also returned to training with the La Liga side.
Now, their hopes of sealing the services of the playmaker have been dealt a further frustrating blow with Premier League rivals Chelsea thought to have entered the race for the midfielder.
According to Spanish news outlet Relevo, his current employers Barcelona are aware that the Blues are preparing a formal offer for De Jong. They have made their interest known over the past few hours with a bid expected to be lodged.
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De Jong could potentially be the next addition in what has turned into a very busy summer for new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly. Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly have already been confirmed as new arrivals having joined from Manchester City and Napoli respectively.
Elsewhere, reports have suggested that the Blues remain confident of agreeing a deal with Sevilla for centre-back Jules Kounde with the Frenchman’s services having been chased for the best part of a year.
Should Chelsea secure de Jong, that would be a huge blow to Man Utd’s summer plans. The Red Devils have already secured two incoming transfers this summer with the signings of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and the addition of Christian Eriksen.
Lisandro Martinez is set to join that aforementioned duo with the club having an agreement in place for his £57m arrival. It remains to be seen who the Red Devils will turn to should they lose out to Chelsea regarding De Jong. The club still desperately need midfield recruits this summer following the exits of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
Donny van de Beek has made clear his intentions to catch the eye following his return from Everton. He said: "Of course everyone was saying that because I worked with him [Erik ten Hag] at Ajax, but, in the end, you have to play good from yourself and it doesn't make any sense who is the coach.
"You have to find your role in the team and, of course, he knows me as a player, but that means nothing. I have to show it for myself."
