Chelsea have now started talks with Barcelona to sign midfielder Frenkie de Jong, MySportDab reports.
The Blues are confident they can steal De Jong from and get the player.
Chelsea are ready to pay the agreed fee with Manchester United of £71million for the Holland midfielder.
They also have an advantage to offer De Jong the chance of Champions League football this season.
However, Manchester United have not given up in the race for Erik ten Hag’s priority target this summer.
But, De Jong remains unconvinced about a move to Manchester United and the Europa League.
Now, According to The Athletic, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have now opened direct talks with Barcelona and are optimistic a deal can be agreed for the 25-year-old.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, De Jong is still the player new coach Ten Hag wants to improve his midfield.
De Jong’s transfer saga has gone on for over three months now, but United remain confident.
The Red are ready to make the Dutch midfielder the club’s highest-paid player and earn £450,000-a-week.
Despite this, De Jong has rejected United’s advances so far, after revealing that he is happy at Barcelona.
However, Barcelona have finances to consider and if they wish to register their new signings, the midfielder is the best solution.
The Spanish club are ready to sell de Jong in order to register new signings this summer.
Also, De Jong’s exit will also allow Barcelona work on signing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
However, there is still no progress in De Jong leaving any time soon.
Despite selling off various TV rights and assets, Barcelona have not yet paid de Jong his £17m wages.
