Chelsea have reportedly been handed boost to make a bid for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in January.
The 25-year-old was at the centre of a lengthy transfer saga during the summer window, as Erik ten Hag was eager to reconnect with his ex-Ajax superstar at Manchester United.
Barcelona were said to have accepted a fee from the Red Devils, but De Jong declined to enter into personal terms talks with the 20-time English champions.
The Netherlands international’s desire to stay at Camp Nou eventually prevailed, but his long-term future remains uncertain amid reports that Barcelona could approve a big clearout in 2023.
If Barcelona approves another bid for De Jong, Manchester United is expected to renew their interest, while Liverpool has also been connected with a move.
Chelsea were touted to hijack Manchester United’s failed bid for the midfielder, and according to The Express – via football.london – the Blues have received encouragement over a move.
According to the report, De Jong’s camp has given Todd Boehly permission the green light to make a January move after the Dutchman failed to establish himself as a regular starter this season.
In the 2022–23 season, Gavi, Pedri, and Sergio Busquets often replaced Xavi’s midfield triangle, limiting De Jong to six La Liga appearances and just one Champions League start.
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As a result, De Jong’s lack of consistent starts is thought to have given Chelsea hope of a January transfer, although he has recently been back in the first XI more often than not.
The 25-year-old has started each of Barcelona’s past three La Liga games, including the 4-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
De Jong has 14 goals and 18 assists in 153 appearances for Barcelona, collecting one trophy with La Blaugrana.
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