Chelsea have opened 'direct talks' with Barcelona regarding midfielder Frenkie de Jong as the Blues attempt to hijack Man United transfer.
After missing out on multiple targets this summer, Chelsea's transfer business is all of a sudden looking good, with Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Kouliably and young goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina all confirmed arrivals. Deals for Brighton wing-back Marc Cucurella and Aston Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka also look close, football.london understands.
De Jong looked set on a move to Man United earlier this summer after Erik ten Hag's side agreed a £71m fee for the Netherlands international, but talks have seemingly halted since then. Now, the Blues are acting on their interest in the midfielder, with The Athletic reporting that Chelsea have opened direct talks with Barcelona.
