Chelsea join Liverpool, Manchester United in January race for Barcelona superstar – report

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is a man in demand in the Premier League as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all ready to make a move for him in the January transfer window.

This report comes from ESPN, who claim that the Premier League giants are waiting in the wings to swoop in if the Dutchman chooses to quit Barça in the winter window.

Manchester United’s interest in de Jong is well-known. The Red Devils had reached an €85 million agreement with the Blaugrana to sign the midfielder in the summer, but the player’s refusal to leave the club meant that the transfer did not materialise.

However, manager Erik ten Hag is still pushing for the 20-time English champions to sign his compatriot as he sees him as a vital addition to the project at Old Trafford.

Liverpool have also entered the race to sign de Jong after the number of injuries that they have seen in the middle of the park. The report claims that the Reds have already made contact with the Barcelona star’s camp to explore the possibility of a transfer.

Now, United and Liverpool have been joined by Chelsea in the battle to sign de Jong from Barcelona. Like Manchester United, the Blues too had tried to land the midfielder in the summer but the move did not come to fruition.

However, there is a feeling that the Netherlands international might be more receptive to the possibility of an exit in January as his game-time has taken a serious hit this season. Furthermore, with Barça on the cusp of elimination from the Champions League, it could also dictate his future.

Chelsea are in the market for reinforcements in midfield as N’Golo Kante has been ruled out for four months due to injury. Jorginho, meanwhile, has refused a contract offer from the club.

New owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are looking to refresh the squad with younger players, with de Jong now emerging as a target. The Chelsea ownership has a good relationship with HCM Sports Management, who represent the Barcelona superstar.

The Catalans could be forced into selling a few players in January in order to strengthen their squad while complying with La Liga’s salary cap rules.

But de Jong’s departure would hinge on the player softening his stance from the summer. Whether he is willing to swap clubs midway through the campaign or wishes to continue and battle for his place at Camp Nou will be interesting to see.

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