Chelsea join race for Frenkie de Jong and more Manchester United transfer rumours

Manchester United’s attempts to sign Frenkie de Jong could be challenged by Chelsea, with reports in Spain suggesting the Blues are also interested in the midfielder.

United had looked to be closing in on the signing of De Jong last week. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, a fee of €65m (£56.14m) plus add-ons was agreed with Barcelona, with a deal expected to be finalised when De Jong returned from his summer break.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, though, appeared to make a U-turn on Saturday as he insisted the club had “no intention” of selling De Jong. "I'm going to do everything I can in my power so that Frenkie stays here, but there’s also a salary issue and that would have to be adjusted,” Laporta said.

ALSO READ: Manchester United can sign their new Edinson Cavani on free transfer

Now, according to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have entered the fray for the 25-year-old. Despite the Blues’ interest, United are still said to be the closest to securing De Jong’s signature.

But this latest report suggests that Barcelona will not offload the midfielder unless they receive a good offer, with the Catalan side said to have set their starting price at €80m. It’s claimed that United’s offer hasn’t convinced the La Liga giants, and they will continue to negotiate a price.

Elsewhere, Eric Bailly is said to have no interest in swapping United for Fulham this summer. The defender looks likely to leave Old Trafford, looking for more game-time.

Recent reports have suggested Fulham are keen on signing Bailly on a season-long loan deal following their return to the Premier League, with an option to buy should they stay up. According to the Mirror though, Bailly wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight