
Chelsea are monitoring the situation of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and could make a move if his transfer to Manchester United falls through, according to The Guardian.
The Red Devils have long been linked with the Netherlands international and have now reportedly agreed a fee of €65m with the Blaugrana, meaning negotiations are now centred around De Jong’s personal terms. He is open to moving to Old Trafford despite previously stating that he is in no rush to leave Barcelona, who are in need of extra funds.
However, the former Ajax player reportedly wants to play in the Champions League, which is something he won’t be able to do yet at Man United.
Chelsea had watched De Jong closely before he joined Barcelona and Thomas Tuchel is said to be a big admirer of his, and while it isn’t certain a move will be made it is felt this could be more straightforward than trying to sign West Ham United’s Declan Rice.
The Blues’ priorities are defence and attack as they have been linked with Manchester City duo Nathan Ake and Raheem Sterling, Leeds United’s Raphinha, Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
However, there is some uncertainty around their midfield despite the plan to use Conor Gallagher, as Jorginho and N’Golo Kante could leave after Saul Niguez returned to Atletico de Madrid following his unsuccessful loan.