Man Utd enter separate Barcelona negotiations as Chelsea threaten Frenkie de Jong deal
Manchester United have chased Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong all summer with no success and are now keen on his Nou Camp teammate Sergino Dest, who the club are willing to sell
Manchester United are interested in signing Barcelona's Sergino Dest - as Chelsea threaten to hijack their move for Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutch midfielder has been on their radar all summer and they've been in discussions about a move for months, with the player reluctant to join his old boss, Erik ten Hag, at Old Trafford. The new manager in Manchester has been looking to bolster his options and could now target Dest.
They have enjoyed little success in pursuing Barcelona players thus far, but SPORT understands they are keen on the versatile full-back. The Spanish giants are willing to offload Dest should they convince Cesar Azpilicueta to join from Chelsea.
Barcelona are looking for £16.7m if they are to let Dest go, with Xavi in the midst of overhauling his squad this summer. United have already added Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez this summer but are still seeking new recruits.
Erik ten Hag is an admirer of the American international, whom he worked with previously at Ajax. The United boss has endured a frustrating summer in the transfer window, although new recruits are beginning to arrive ahead of the new season.
De Jong has been his main target as he seeks to bolster his midfield ranks. It looks like he could miss out though with the wage issues currently being experienced by the midfielder a major sticking point. De Jong will also only leave the Nou Camp for a club in the Champions League - which has opened the door for Chelsea.
The Blues have entered the race for De Jong as they look to make more signings this summer. So far they've bolstered their squad in defence and attack, but no new faces have arrived in the middle of the park. Chelsea are in discussions with Barcelona and are optimistic they can strike a deal, claims the Athletic.
A £71m agreement was struck between United and Barcelona for De Jong, before the player showed no willingness to move to Old Trafford. It will no doubt take a similar fee for Chelsea with Nou Camp chief Joan Laporta claiming the player wasn't for sale, but they would keep an open mind.
Last month he said: "[Frenkie De Jong] is a Barca player. And unless we feel the need or the interest to sell him we won't do it. Frenkie de Jong isn't for sale. We know he has offers. And if at a given moment we are interested in selling him then we would think about it."
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