Chelsea interest in Frenkie de Jong may pitch Man United into bidding war

The pressure is on, United

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation of Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong, and could make a move for the midfielder if a deal with the Red Devils breaks down. The Barcelona man is expected to make a move to Old Trafford, with United set to pay an initial £55million to the Catalan giants for the former Ajax man, with the fee potentially rising close to £70m. However, as reported by  The Guardian, Thomas Tuchel could be plotting a swoop for the 25-year-old and the Blues are currently monitoring the progress of United’s move for the player. Interest from the Blues would not be welcomed by United as it would drive up the Barca asking price. The report adds that the London club are yet to make a move for De Jong, however, they are set to pounce if the Red Devils' move falls through. It is thought that Tuchel is a fan of the midfielder, and watched him before he left Ajax for Barcelona in 2019.

De Jong 'determined to stay' at Barcelona

While Erik ten Hag looks set to be reunited with his man in the coming weeks, De Jong, according to reports, isn't too fussed about leaving. Sport claim De Jong is refusing to leave Barca, where he is said to be 'determined to succeed'. Despite being forced towards the exit door, he has made it known to club officials that he wants to stay. The report even goes as far as saying the midfielder has become irritated by his own agent, Ali Dursun, who is said to be attempting to push him towards Old Trafford. Should de Jong's stance not change, the move to Manchester could collapse. United, meanwhile, are looking to offload a couple of their current players to Fulham. The Londoners are interested in signing both Eric Bailly and Andreas Pereira but may need to do convincing with both men to get deals done.

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