Chelsea and Man United are set to be embroiled in their latest transfer battle together.
Initially, the Blues and Barcelona had a rivalry this summer over certain transfer signings. Ousmane Dembélé, Jules Kounde and Raphinha were of interest to both. Barca had all three transfer battles. Fast forward a little bit of time and Chelsea and Man United seem to be two clubs in for the same players in some regards.
Frenkie de Jong was the main target of interest to both but the Dutchman is looking more likely by the day to get his wish granted to stay put in Spain. As an alternative to Barcelona's number 21, both clubs are set to do battle for Real Madrid's Casemiro. Many of the English outlets are linking the Red Devils to a £60m swoop for the Brazilian veteran.
Many Spanish outlets and Journalists including the well-known Guillem Balagué have reported that Real Madrid would not stand in the way of their star midfielder, especially during a FIFA World Cup year, if he was to move on to gain more regular first-team minutes. Having fallen down in the pecking order behind Aurelien Tchouameni and Edouard Camavinga, Brazil manager Tite would prefer all his players to be first-team regulars ahead of the tournament kicking off in less than 100 days time.
READ MORE: Casemiro signs, De Jong decision - Thomas Tuchel's dream Chelsea midfield after £350m spend
And despite Carlo Ancelotti wanting his reliable midfielder to stay, the player in question will have to make a difficult decision in relation to his future. The Athletic have now reported that Madrid's number 14 is now the main focus of United and as a result, their slim De Jong chances are basically over.
Meanwhile, only 90min have linked Chelsea to a late move. Whether or not the Blues follow up their initial interest remains to be seen but signs within the club are that it's De Jong or bust for the midfield position.
Boehly is looking to bide his time and hope that time is friendly to him as he looks to play the long game in this situation. However, if the current World Champions were to make a swoop for the Brazilian midfielder, just like De Jong, they would have the advantage due to something achieved last season- Champions League football.
Having won five Champions League titles to date over his seven years in situ at the Santiago Bernabeu, with limited years left at the top level, Casemiro will want to ensure just like Cristiano Ronaldo, that his love affair with the UCL continues as long as possible.
Chelsea fans - Would you prefer Casemiro or Frenkie de Jong at this stage of the summer transfer window? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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