Chelsea are reportedly preparing to rival Manchester United in the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Throughout the summer, United have been regarded as the clear frontrunners to secure a deal for the Netherlands international.
As well as the Catalan giants being open to generating funds to boost their well-documented financial position, Erik ten Hag - De Jong's former boss at Ajax - has recently moved to Old Trafford.
However, despite United having allegedly agree a fee with Barcelona, there has been little urgency from De Jong's side to wrap up a transfer.
The 25-year-old is owed in the region of £14.5m in deferred wages, a move that he made to help Barcelona cope with the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Furthermore, United are not competing in the Champions League in 2022-23, and it now appears that Chelsea are ready to try to step in and capitalise on the situation.
According to Relevo, Barcelona are anticipating receiving a formal proposal from Chelsea over the coming days.
Earlier this month, Blues owner Todd Boehly, who is also deputising as the club's interim sporting director, met his Barcelona counterparts at a restaurant in Spain.
While a number of players would have been discussed as Barcelona look to sign Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, the potential acquisition of De Jong is also likely to have been on the agenda.
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Chelsea are currently well stocked for options in the centre of the pitch, Conor Gallagher having already replaced Saul Niguez who has returned to Atletico Madrid.
Nevertheless, with the likes of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante now the wrong side of 30 and with less than 12 months remaining on their respective contracts, potential replacements are being identified.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that he hopes to sign two more players before the start of September, at least one of those players being a central defender.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are willing to shell out £72m, including add-ons, to sign De Jong, and it now remains to be seen whether Chelsea are prepared to match or improve on that package.
However, much will still depend on whether De Jong wishes to depart Barcelona with the player and his family said to be settled in the city.
Darren Plant
