‘I got told’: Gary Neville reveals what he’s heard about Chelsea’s chances of signing De Jong this summer

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Gary Neville has claimed he has heard that Frenkie de Jong would rather join Chelsea than Manchester United this summer.

The Netherlands international has been the subject of months of speculation, as the Red Devils have tried desperately to add him to strengthen their midfield prior to the new season.

However, the player has been adamant that he doesn’t want to join Erik ten Hag’s project, with him reportedly owed large portions of his wages from Barcelona.

That Catalan club have been adamant that De Jong has to leave the club, with them reportedly needing his departure before they can register some of their new signings.

It has been rumoured that Barcelona have offered the player to Chelsea too, and Neville believes he would prefer a move to London than join his beloved United side.

Neville claims De Jong would prefer Chelsea

He said: I was in Miami when Barca were there playing two weeks ago and I got told (third hand) De Jong preferred staying at Barca or Chelsea and London. Wasn’t a concrete source but this follows that thought.

The Blues have the ability to offer the Dutchman Champions League football next season, following their third place finish.

United’s dismal season saw them end up in 6^th place, with club legend Cristiano Ronaldo citing this as well as their inabilities in the market as his personal reasons for wanting to leave.

While central midfield is not an area on paper the Blues need to strengthen, the uncertain future of Jorginho and N’golo Kante could see them bite the bullet and add this summer, with it unlikely a player of De Jong’s quality will become available.in the coming seasons.

The Dutchman’s ability on the ball makes him a perfect candidate for a Premier League midfield, with the Blues trying to bridge the gap between themselves and Manchester City at the top.