Chelsea could pip Manchester United to signing Barcelona’s midfield man Frenkie de Jong this summer with the offer of Champions League football to the Dutchman.
De Jong is understood to be a priority target this summer at Old Trafford with the new United boss Eric ten Hag looking to reinforce his squad by bringing in the Holland international maestro.
No Champions League football in store for United in the coming season, however, is the stumbling block in the talks with De Jong and his camp which could see Chelsea emerge surprise frontrunner for the Camp Nou star, according to Spanish news outlet Sport.
The player is said to be wary of making the switch to Old Trafford following the club’s decline since the long-serving gaffer Alex Ferguson stepped down and De Jong is not keen to turn out in the Europa League.
Chelsea are open to the possibility of making an approach to land De Jong’s signature with the former Ajax starlet willing to join Thomas Tuchel’s side should a big-money deal come his way.
