Chelsea have been handed a major blow in their efforts to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Camp Nou this summer as the Spanish giants continue to seek a solution to their well-documented financial woes.
football.london understands that the west Londoners have 'liked' the idea of signing De Jong for a few years now. And, while Thomas Tuchel faces great competition from Erik ten Hag for the Netherland international's signature, the Blues boss is confident of beating Manchester United to a deal.
While reports have said that De Jong would prefer a move to Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford despite the Red Devils emerging as the most engrossed potential suitor, he's now taken new measures to ensure an exit is off the cards. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Dutchman would be open to taking a pay cut in order to stay at the Camp Nou.
