Barcelona president Joan Laporta has addressed speculation that Chelsea have been offered midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Reports in the Catalan media have claimed that the Dutchman was discussed when Laporta met Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly earlier this month but, when asked if de Jong’s name came up, Laporta said:

“No, no, no. We had a very nice dinner in Barcelona and we talked in general about football. He is a very successful businessman. He is involved in sport with the Lakers and Dodgers and now with Chelsea. He looks like a man who knows what he wants to do and it was a very nice dinner.”

It is believed that Manchester United have agreed a €85m (£71m) fee for de Jong but the deal has been held up, and it has led to suggestions that Chelsea could swoop in and secure the playmaker’s signature.

The Blues would be seen as a more attractive destination, with Thomas Tuchel’s side having Champions League football, but it is unlikely that they would be willing to match United’s bid.

It’s still possible that a move for de Jong could happen before the end of the transfer window, but that may depend on whether Jorginho leaves. There has been more speculation in recent days that the Italian could make the switch to Juventus, although (it must be said) the Bianconeri are regularly linked with the midfielder.