Chelsea are reportedly planning an offer for Frenkie de Jong, with the Blues looking to beat Manchester United to the Barcelona midfielder's signature.
De Jong has been at the centre of one of the most high-profile transfer sagas of the summer, with Man United desperately attempting to bring him to Old Trafford.
The Netherlands international is said to be keen to remain at Camp Nou, but he could leave before the transfer deadline, with the Red Devils allegedly not giving up despite finding it difficult to finalise an agreement.
A recent report claimed that Man United were preparing one final contract offer for the midfielder, which would make him the club's highest-earning player in excess of £450,000 a week.
However, there have also been suggestions of interest from Chelsea, and De Jong would allegedly favour a move to Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford.
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According to Sport, Chelsea have now told Barcelona that they will make an offer for the 25-year-old in the near future.
The report claims that Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly met in July, where a possible deal for De Jong was discussed.
Chelsea have an advantage over Man United when it comes to European football, as the 20-time English champions missed out on qualification for the coming season due to finishing sixth in the Premier League table last term.
De Jong also reportedly has reservations over moving to Manchester but would be open to a switch to London.
Man United are believed to be offering a better financial package, though, which would also see them pay the former Ajax youngster the £14m that he is owed by Barcelona in deferred wages.
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Laporta recently insisted that the Catalan giants are keen to keep hold of the midfielder this summer amid the speculation surrounding his future.
"Frenkie is Barca player. We want him to stay, he wants to stay. We've received important bids for him but he's our player," Laporta told reporters. "You know salary budget situation; so we will do our best to keep Frenkie at Barca... and I hope he'll do the same."
De Jong made 46 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing four goals and five assists in the process, and he is still viewed as an important player by the club.
However, the Catalan outfit are said to be keen to move him on due to his substantial salary, while he is capable of raising a high transfer fee, potentially in excess of £70m, which would be hugely important for the club during a busy window in terms of incomings.
De Jong has been heavily involved in his side's preparations for the new campaign and played the opening 45 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls.
Matt Law
