Frenkie de Jong latest: Man Utd dealt further blow as Chelsea plan emerges for in-demand Barca star

A report claims Chelsea are hoping to send two players to Barcelona this summer in the hope of snaring midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Manchester United have been monitoring the 25-year-old all summer. Red Devils chief Erik ten Hag has made no secret of the fact the Netherlands international is his primary target. But the talented schemer remains at the Nou Camp despite United’s best efforts.

It seems as though he is not keen on a move to Old Trafford, with reports that he has personally told Ten Hag his stance. Rumours continue to do the rounds that the playmaker would only consider a switch to London if he does move to the Premier League.

And Chelsea have previously been mentioned in connection with the player. Spanish outlet Sport are suggesting that the capital outfit are now prepared to firm up their interest with a proposal.

They are said to be willing to send defensive pair Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta to Catalonia in part-exchange for De Jong. That comes after the LaLiga giants have been pursuing deals for the duo this summer.

Whether or not they are prepared to let De Jong leave on those terms only time will tell. But it casts further doubt on whether United have any chance of landing the schemer.

Sport say that the Blues are attempting to ‘hijack’ United’s attempts to sign the former Ajax star. They can offer him Champions League football after finishing third in the Premier League.

Ten Hag will take his side into the Europa League following their woeful campaign to finish sixth last term.

Chelsea start to flex muscles with De Jong chase

Barcelona President Joan Laporta is clearly a big fan of the Chelsea stoppers. However, when asked, he refused to speak about their potential arrival.

“They are under contract at Chelsea and we respect this as well as the new owner,” he told CBS. “I don’t want to talk about players who belong to other teams. I respect Cesar and Marcos as footballers. They are very, very good players.

“They show their quality and talent at Chelsea. But I don’t want to talk about them as a matter of respect for Chelsea.”

Chelsea have emerged from the Roman Abramovich era, with Todd Boehly now at the helm. And they have already added quality players to Thomas Tuchel’s ranks.

England ace Raheem Sterling has arrived from Manchester City, with defender Kalidou Koulibaly signed from Napoli. However, the biggest signing might still be ahead.

Chelsea landing De Jong would be a real coup and prove that Stamford Bridge is just as exciting for players as Old Trafford.

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