Chelsea 'ready to hijack Frenkie de Jong deal' with key advantage and more Man United rumours

Chelsea are reportedly gearing up to launch a bid for Frenkie de Jong.

The Barcelona midfielder is Erik ten Hag’s top target and Manchester United have pursued the midfielder for nearly two months. A deal in principle had been agreed with Barca but they look to have changed their tune.

Barcelona now say De Jong is not for sale, although it seems Chelsea are not put off by this. They apparently believe they can convince the La Liga club to part with their man by luring them with two of their own.

READ MORE: Barcelona president issues fresh Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United denial

Spanish outlet Relevo reports that the Blues are ready to bid for De Jong while journalist Gerard Romero claims Barcelona would entertain the idea of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta going the other way, albeit in separate deals.

Both defenders are of interest to Xavi, who also acquired Andreas Christensen this summer. De Jong has repeatedly underlined that his preference is to stay at the Nou Camp.

Meanwhile, United target Lisandro Martinez has told Ajax that he wants to leave the club, according to talkSPORT. The club are understood to have held talks with Ajax chiefs over a potential deal.

The centre-half looks to be Ten Hag’s alternative to Jurrien Timber, who has seemingly got cold feet over a move after Louis van Gaal warned him about his place in the Netherlands World Cup squad if he experiences reduced game time at Old Trafford.

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