Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel “admires” Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and there is a possibility that the Blues could make a bid for the Dutchman if his move to Manchester United “falls through”, according to The Guardian‘s Jacob Steinberg.
The journalist, who is usually pretty reliable went it comes to transfers, claims Tuchel is considering de Jong as an option as it would be a more “straightforward” deal than going after West Ham’s Declan Rice:
Chelsea watching developments with Frenkie de Jong. Manchester United still favourites to sign the Barca midfielder but he has admirers at Chelsea. Meanwhile deals for Ake and Sterling progressing https://t.co/PrSIaVRCtg #cfc
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) July 1, 2022
United are believed to have agreed a €85m (£73m) fee for de Jong in principle, but the transfer is far from being done, with the structure of the payments and personal terms yet to be finalised.
There is, therefore, a chance for Chelsea to hijack the move. The player himself is also said to be keener on joining a team in the Champions League, which gives the Blues another major advantage if they were to challenge United for his signature.