Chelsea’s chances of signing Frenkie de Jong ahead of Manchester United have received a big boost, according to reports.
De Jong has been united (opens in a new tab)The main transfer target since the beginning of the summer, but the club has found it difficult to reach an agreement on the line.
Barcelona (opens in a new tab) they are open to selling the midfielder to balance the books following the purchases of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
But De Jong is keen to stay at Camp Nou, where he feels he has unfinished business after just three years at the club.
He is also owed around £17m in deferred salary payments by Barcelona, and De Jong is wary of leaving before receiving his money.
Despite the complicated nature of the transfer saga, United have not shied away from a deal.
They continue to hold talks with Barcelona in the hope of making a breakthrough, but their chances of doing so have been hit hard.
According to Sport (opens in a new tab)Spanish publication, De Jong has two big reservations about a move to United.
The first is that the former Ajax (opens in a new tab) The star does not want to live in Manchester.
Second, he is unconvinced in the way United are run, with the club showing few signs of an overall philosophy.
De Jong is not particularly attracted to the Premier League, which he believes would not suit his style of play.
But if he has to leave Barcelona and England is the only option, the report notes that the 25-year-old would prefer to join Chelsea. (opens in a new tab).
De Jong is said to be more confident in the way the Blues are run, while the fact that Thomas Tuchel’s side are in the Champions League is another plus.
He would also be open to the idea of living in London, but it is not yet clear whether Chelsea will follow up on his vague interest with an offer.
Tuchel is currently focused on strengthening his defence, with Jules Kounde expected to sign for the club in the coming days.
