Gary Neville has claimed to Football Daily that Chelsea could ruin Manchester United’s plans by signing Frenkie de Jong this summer.
The Blues are reportedly as of today close to agreeing a deal for the Dutchman, who is still seemingly needed to be sold by Barcelona.
The 25-year-old has been in the eye of one of the biggest transfer storms in recent memory, with the Catalan club seemingly desperate to get him off their books.
It has been claimed they need to complete this in order to register their new signings, with them enjoying their own successful summer.
They have acquired Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha as big-money names this summer, with them all being heavily linked with moves to Chelsea of their own.
Chelsea could embarrass United with De Jong
The Blues could be set to save themselves from total embarrassment from the Catalan club, if they achieve the deal for De Jong.
They have been rivalling Manchester United for his services, and Neville has stated that being beaten to the deal by Chelsea would be embarrassing.
He said: “If he goes to Chelsea, it’s horrific. It’s horrific. Let’s be clear. If he stays at Barca there’s a bit of embarrassment as they’ve put all their eggs in one basket and they haven’t got anybody else in, and it looks like they haven’t been able to get a deal over the line.
“The other option it does not contemplate thinking about. He goes to a rival club in the Premier League against the manager that he’s worked for the last few years.”
United’s lack of Champions League football has often been claimed as a reason why he would not consider joining them, despite reportedly agreeing a fee of £70m for him.
At Chelsea, he should feel confident that he can establish himself as a starter at Stamford Bridge, with a fair amount of uncertainty regarding their current midfielders’ futures.
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