Thomas Tuchel has played down Chelsea’s links with Frenkie de Jong after admitting he’s not prioritising a new midfielder.
Manchester United have of course spent much of the summer chasing the Barcelona star, and are continuing their pursuit despite being continually left frustrated in their discussions. United have also been hit in recent days by suggestions that De Jong would prefer a move to Stamford Bridge.
Reports have claimed the Netherlands international would favour a move to London were he to leave the Nou Camp. Gary Neville has also added fuel to the fire after revealing he'd been told De Jong would prefer a move to Chelsea over United.
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Tuchel though doesn’t appear to be as interested as reports would suggest. The Chelsea boss was quizzed on his remaining transfer targets for the remainder of the window following his side’s opening win at Everton on Saturday.
The German admitted he isn’t looking to immediately add to his midfield options. Tuchel also revealed the Blues are in the process of adding a new signing, suggesting a deal for De Jong is not currently in the pipeline.
"Yeah, if we can add, we add,” Tuchel told Sky Sports. “Maybe not necessarily a midfielder as a first option but we’re open for everything.
“I think we can use new energy, new legs and fresh input to bring us to a new level. If not, then we will push this team but I think we could use some more input and some more quality. We’re on it but we will not tell you [who]."
The Manchester Evening News understands United have agreed an overall fee of €85million (£71.5m) for De Jong, but the midfielder's wage deferral continues to prevent a transfer from being finalised. The 25-year-old is owed €17m in unpaid wages from Barcelona, dating back to November 2020.
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