Chelsea will face competition to sign Frenkie de Jong this summer, but it won't be coming from Manchester United despite Erik ten Hag's interest in the player.
Thomas Tuchel is determined to add a new midfielder to his squad in order to bring in creativity and energy to the centre of the park and the Blues have been given continued reason to believe a deal could be done as Barcelona's financial situation leaves all possibilities on the table entering the final month of the window.
The Catalan club already owe the 25-year-old £17m in deferred wages, an issue which is causing de Jong a dilemma despite it being reported that he would like to remain at the club if the option remains open. Chelsea are now preparing to put his resolve under pressure by issuing a bid, but Xavi's side have their own response readied.
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According to Sport, de Jong's agent is trying to push a wage-cut for his client in order to stay at Camp Nou. The Spanish giants are already attempting to free up funds by selling and loaning their current squad players as they struggle to register their new signings.
De Jong isn't player that the club want to sell and the desired outcome for both is still to stay in Spain but the wage complication has made the situation complex. As his current deal doesn't expire until 2026, having signed a contract extension shortly after arriving at the club in 2019, it means that his value is still extremely high, possibly being as much as £70m which would be a lot for Todd Boehly to sanction, especially with Leicester demanding £85m for number one target Wesley Fofana.
The Blues are currently being left to monitor the situation as only after wage issues are resolved would Chelsea be able to speak to de Jong, who doesn't want to join Manchester United.
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