Football News: Chelsea and Manchester United to battle for Barcelona midfielder

According to reports, Chelsea will compete with Manchester United for the services of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer.The 25-year-old was involved in a protracted transfer controversy with Manchester United last summer.

However, a high-profile trade for the Dutchman to Old Trafford ultimately fell through.Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder was eventually acquired by the Red Devils for almost £70 million.

This season, the former Real Madrid player has swiftly become an important part of Erik ten Hag's team.According to a recent rumour, Man United are still interested in signing De Jong.

Ten Hag is reportedly eager for the Red Devils to step up their chase of the Dutch international this summer.According to Fichajes, Man United will have to outbid Premier League rival Chelsea for the midfielder.

According to the source, Chelsea are getting ready to make a bid for De Jong that may be worth over €80 million (£71 million).In the previous two transfer windows, Blues co-owner Todd Boehly spent more than £600 million on new players.but the West Londoners are anticipated to be active once again this summer.

It has been questioned recently what will happen to Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante, whose contract expires this summer. It is also unknown whether Chelsea will try to sign Denis Zakaria, who is now on loan from Juventus, on a long-term basis.

Yet given that De Jong has frequently stated his desire to stay at Camp Nou, it might be difficult to convince him to leave Barcelona.

When asked about a prospective summer move by Catalan radio station RAC1, De Jong said,

I'm very calm, happy. I want to stay at Barcelona for many more years.

Nevertheless, head coach Xavi has claimed that De Jong had no ambitions to leave Barca last summer and has suggested that he is keen for the former Ajax star to remain with the Catalan giants for years to come.

Speaking at a press conference last week, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Xavi said:

[De Jong] was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us [last summer] and there was no doubt.

He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership. He is in a great moment, like the whole team. I think he is having a good time well on the field, which is the most important thing.

De Jong has contributed 15 goals and 19 assists in 172 appearances across all competitions for the La Liga giants since moving to Barcelona from Ajax in July 2019.

The deep-lying playmaker, who has a contract at Camp Nou through the summer of 2026, has won the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup during his tenure there.

For more Sports updates please follow us on Twitter