Chelsea have considered the possibility of signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but Manchester United are far ahead in the transfer race, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s recent comments about De Jong put a question mark over the midfielder’s availability in this transfer window.

The Blaugrana chief insisted that the club have no plan of selling the 25-year-old despite their financial issues.

After all, the Netherlands international is still under contract until 2026, and Barcelona are reportedly raising funds from selling the club’s future broadcasting revenues.

Romano backed Laporta’s statement about De Jong’s wanting to stay in Barcelona, although he would likely have to reduce his salary to do so.

Several clubs, including, Chelsea have reportedly been aware of the situation and considered capitalising on it.

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“Chelsea have had some discussions to this possibility [of signing De Jong], but everything depends on [Thomas] Tuchel at the club,” the Italian transfer expert said on his YouTube channel.

“So, at the moment, there is no negotiation between Chelsea and Barcelona for De Jong. It’s something that could be of interest for Chelsea, but the club really negotiating for [the player] is Manchester United.”

Romano also mentioned that no other club “wants” De Jong more than Manchester United, who are already close to reaching an agreement with Barcelona over transfer fees.

From Chelsea’s point of view, the midfield area should be the least of Tuchel’s worries.

The returns of Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour, and Ethan Ampadu should give the manager plenty of new midfield options without having to dip into the transfer market.

The Blues’ primary focus this summer window should be on replacing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, as well as Romelu Lukaku.

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