Chelsea Close to Agreeing Deal to Sign Barcelona Midfielder

• Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly inching close to signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
• The Blues are said to be in a position to exceed the €80million figure that Barca are asking for the ex-Ajax superstar
• De Jong was initially expected to link up with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but the deal has dragged on for weeks

Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer.

De Jong was a top transfer target for Manchester United but are in danger of missing out on the Dutchman to rivals Chelsea.

According to Metro UK, the Netherlands international has been coveted by the Red Devils and current boss, Erik ten Hag, throughout the close season.

However, he has firmly refused to countenance a move to Old Trafford, paving way for Chelsea to sign him.

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It is believed that the Red Devils' ongoing struggles and absence from the Champions League were major factors in De Jong’s decision to reject a move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Chelsea favourites to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona

It is believed that Chelsea have taken a major step forward in their bid to sign De Jong and are nearing a £67.6million deal to sign the Barca ace.

SPORT reports that the Blues would be in a position to exceed the €80million valuation that Barça are asking for the Dutchman.

Chelsea have been eyeing a move for the midfielder all summer, with reports suggesting that there has been a lot of movement in the talks to sign De Jong.

The west Londoners are keen to bolster their squad as Thomas Tuchel pushes to challenge for titles.

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Chelsea secure slim win over Everton in Premier League opener

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Chelsea put a troubled pre-season behind them to start their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, thanks to Jorginho's penalty.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel had previously warned that Chelsea were "not ready" for the new season after a gruelling tour of the United States, which included a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, left his squad drained.

However, a new era at Stamford Bridge is picking up pace off the field with the signings of Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka in recent days joining new arrivals Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.