Manchester United are continuing their bid to land Frenkie de Jong but Chelsea are monitoring his situation.
The 25-year-old is being pushed out by Barcelona, who finally struck a £56.1million deal with the Red Devils earlier this week in the hope of remedying their perilous financial situation. De Jong, though, has publicly stated that his preference is to remain at the Camp Nou, despite new United manager Erik ten Hag being desperate to reunite with him in Manchester.
While the midfielder's future at Barcelona is seemingly out of his hands, De Jong may well still be able to choose his next destination should any other clubs agree a fee of similar value to the Red Devils'. Chelsea are reportedly keeping an eye on his situation and can offer the Dutchman something which their rivals lack.
The Guardian claim that De Jong's desire to play Champions League football could put the Blues in a stronger negotiating position should they challenge United in what is currently a one-horse race to sign him. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be backed with £200m from new owner Todd Boehly, and the Blues boss is keen to lower the average age of his experienced midfield.
With N'Golo Kante and Jorginho both now on the wrong side of 30, Tuchel would be wise to freshen things up in his team's central hub.
De Jong's legs would give Chelsea a different dynamic in midfield and his ability to play as a centre-back in a three-man defence is also an aspect which could make working with Tuchel a better match than reuniting with Ten Hag.
The Red Devils will be competing in the Europa League next season after finishing fifth in the Premier League last term. The Netherlands international has already experienced Europe's second-rate competition, most recently in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign, as Barcelona slipped down in humiliating fashion.
Join the debate! Should Chelsea bid to sign De Jong? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
But Xavi Hernandez 's side emphatically bounced back, finishing second in LaLiga to secure their place in the Champions League group stage come September.
Ten Hag admits that getting United back amongst the top dogs is a priority, telling manutd.com : "I said this is the project, to bring Man United back on top, but also we have to accept the current situation we are in. First of all, Man United belong in the Champions League, so that will be the first target."
Regardless of the English club's hopes, though, De Jong would ideally like to stay in Catalunya and told ESPN last month: "Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far.
"But I have never regretted my choice."
