Chelsea 'make contact' with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong and more Manchester United rumours

Chelsea have reportedly spoken to Barcelona about a potential Frenkie de Jong transfer.

The midfielder remains Erik ten Hag’s top summer target despite drawn-out negotiations and several stumbling blocks. The club’s principle agreement for the player seemingly holds less weight with each passing day.

A major hurdle is Barcelona owe wages to the player following a Covid-19 payment deferment with the club now said to be putting pressure on him to agree to a salary reduction. De Jong has indicated that he wishes to stay at Camp Nou.

READ MORE: Dwight Yorke details ‘serious issue’ with Manchester United after chat with Frenkie de Jong

Recent reports claim he would prefer a move to London and Chelsea if he was forced out of the door at Barcelona. And now Spanish journalist Alvaro Montero has told Sky Sports that the Blues have made contact with the Catalan club regarding De Jong.

He says the Netherlands international understands his club’s dire financial situation and is open to a move. De Jong, he added, has not turned down any offers.

Meanwhile, ESPN claim Axel Tuanzebe has been told he can leave United. Six players could be shown the door by Ten Hag in the coming weeks.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News , Alex Telles is nearing an exit to Sevilla. Meanwhile, the Spanish club are also interested in Eric Bailly, as are Roma.

The Manchester Evening News also previously reported that Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are up for sale with there also being interest in Phil Jones. ESPN add that the fees received for these players would be put towards the purchasing of new signings for the remainder of the window.

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