Chelsea prepare £85m offer for long-term Manchester United target

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing long-term Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong.

The Reds have been long-term admirers of the Dutch midfielder, having failed to sign him from Barcelona in 2022, shortly after Erik ten Hag took over as manager.

Following extensive talks Barcelona accepted a bid, but De Jong rejected the move to remain at Camp Nou.

Depending on how much money is available in the summer, United could re-enter the race for De Jong, but there may be competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

According to Spanish publication Sport, Chelsea are prepared to table a bid worth up to £85m for De Jong and Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed an interest in signing him.

De Jong signed for Barcelona in a £64m transfer from Ajax in 2019 and has since made 205 first team appearances for the La Liga giants.

Barcelona director Deco recently stressed that it would be a mistake to cash in on De Jong. They are currently third in La Liga, eight points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.

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