Chelsea and Manchester United appear eager to further bolster their respective midfield options, and Frenkie de Jong could be at the centre of a bidding war. The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer but an exit from Barcelona failed to materialise.
Last year, football.london understood that the Blues had liked the idea of signing De Jong. It's said that Chelsea were once confident of securing his signature following talks with the Netherlands international, but he decided to stay put at the Camp Nou.
A major factor which fuelled speculation that De Jong would leave was a dispute in wages between player and club. The Dutchman is yet to reach an agreement on a new contract with Barcelona, casting an element of doubt over his future in Catalonia.
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So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at the latest news regarding De Jong's future, with Chelsea and United once heavily interested.
Transfer agreement
United reportedly went one step further than Chelsea in the race to sign De Jong. According to The Athletic in July, the Red Devils agreed a fee in the region of £63million, including £8.5m in bonuses, for the midfielder. Despite Barcelona's financial difficulties, they snubbed United's proposal.
Talks held
According to Mundo Deportivo in the summer, Chelsea held talks with De Jong. The report states that the Dutchman told his team-mates in the Barcelona dressing room that he'd rather pen a deal at Stamford Bridge than Old Trafford.
Ten Hag reaction
In December, Ten Hag was reportedly 'disappointed' that United missed out on De Jong. As a result, the Red Devils welcomed Casemiro to Old Trafford instead.
While the Brazilian has impressed in spells, his performance levels have fluctuated in recent times. It is clear as to why Ten Hag would want De Jong after the pair enjoyed a hugely successful time together at Ajax.
Xavi stance
Sergio Busquets recently announced that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. According to Spanish outlet Sport, Xavi is counting on De Jong to replace the Spaniard in the holding midfield role despite claims that he's looking to outsource a successor.
United verdict
Following Barcelona's win over Real Madrid in March, De Jong was quizzed on his future by a reporter from Dutch publication Ziggo Sport. The midfield was asked: "You won’t join Manchester United in the summer, correct?"
De Jong replied: "No, I don't think so. You never know of course. But I'm very happy in Barcelona. From the summer until now it has improved for me here. I play almost every game, it makes me feel so satisfied."
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