Barcelona are aware that Chelsea are preparing a formal offer for Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong, Spanish outlet Relevo claim.
The Red Devils recently reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign the midfielder after finalising a deal worth €75 million plus €10m (£64m plus £8.5m) in add-ons.
However, a transfer has yet to materialise due to the fact that the 25-year-old has not agreed personal terms. He is said to be waiting for Barcelona to repay his deferred wages.
Amidst this, Relevo bring a fresh twist to the story by stating that the Netherlands international is not seduced by the prospect of joining United, neither personally nor sportingly.
It is added that Barcelona already know that Chelsea are planning a formal offer. ‘In the last few hours’, Thomas Tuchel’s side have expressed a firm desire in signing him.
United have a challenge on their hands to sign De Jong
It was recently reported that De Jong has been in constant contact with manager Erik ten Hag, and his public desire remains to stay at Barcelona due to his deferred wages.
United have tried to find a solution for Barcelona by increasing their payment up front from €65m to €75m, but the Catalans have yet to resolve the situation with the player.
In between this, Chelsea’s interest could be a potential headache for United, considering their Premier League counterparts have the financial backing from new owner Todd Boehly.
This could potentially increase the transfer valuation of the player, and it won’t be a surprise if the Catalans now ask for the entire €85m fee to be paid up front for the Dutchman.
This would provide them more funds to settle the salary debts. However, the interest from Chelsea could hamper United’s prospects of landing De Jong, who is Erik ten Hag’s prime target.
While the player has not ruled out a reunion with his former manager, it has been regularly mentioned that the midfielder continues to prioritise Champions League football next term.
