Chelsea to Battle Man United for Transfer of Barcelona Midfielder

• Manchester United's pursuit of Frenkie de Jong has been dealt a huge blow after Chelsea joined the race for the Barca star
• The Blues are said to be eyeing a move for the Netherlands international, who has widely been linked with a move to Old Trafford
• The Thomas Tuchel-tutored side are reportedly willing to offer Barcelona the duo of Azpilicueta and Alonso to sweeten the deal

Chelsea has reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong has widely been linked with a move to Man United this summer, with the Red Devils understood to have shortlisted the Dutchman top on their transfer wishlist.

According to The Mirror, the Red Devils are ready to pay £56.2million for the Dutch international this summer.

However, the transfer has dragged on for weeks now, with United reportedly yet to agree personal terms with the midfielder.

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Chelsea interested in Frenkie de Jong

While the Old Trafford dwellers appeared as the clear frontrunners for the services of the former Ajax ace, they face the prospect of losing the midfielder to rivals Chelsea.

Daily Mail citing Spanish outlet Sport, reports that the Blues have hijacked United's transfer for De Jong and are looking to convince Barcelona to allow the talented midfielder to move to Stamford Bridge instead.

The report claims that the Blues are even prepared to offer Barcelona the duo of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso as makeweights in a £51million players-plus-cash deal.

Barca are understood to be interested in signing the two Spaniard stars as Xavi seeks to strengthen his squad further during the ongoing window.

The Catalan giants have slapped a £70million price tag on De Jong, a fee the Red Devils have so far been unable to meet.

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Frenkie de Jong responds to Tyrell Malacia's transfer to Old Trafford

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong has appeared to endorse Tyrell Malacia's move to Manchester United.

De Jong took some time to 'like' an Instagram post from Malacia updating his followers about his delight at joining the Red Devils.

United fans will now be hoping that De Jong's latest social media activity is an indication of his intention to join them this summer.