Reports suggest Chelsea are growing in confidence that they can sign Frenkie de Jong this summer.
According to The Athletic, the Blues are in talks with Barcelona over the possible signing of the Dutchman, despite Manchester United already agreeing a £70m fee.
De Jong has been at the centre of one of the longest transfer scandals in recent memory, with the Catalan club insistent on selling him since way before the window opened.
United have been seen as the favourites to complete a deal for the entire summer, with Erik ten Hag looking to continue his prior relationship with the midfielder from their time together at Ajax.
However, the player has been insistent all summer on not joining the Red Devils, potentially leaving the door open for another club to strike a deal.
Chelsea confident in signing De Jong
The Athletic suggests the Blues are doing exactly this, claiming the club are now increasing in confidence that they will get the once-unlikely deal over the line.
It has been claimed by many that De Jong would prefer a move to Stamford Bridge, with the club able to offer Champions League football immediately, as well as a base squad who won the trophy just one year ago.
Todd Boehly has certainly been busy with Barcelona already this summer, although the club have been a thorn in the side of the Blues the whole summer.
Xavi’s side have beaten the Blues to the signing of Raphinha and Jules Kounde, despite Chelsea looking favourites to complete a deal for both of them, even agreeing a fee for the former.
The club could hold an advantage in De Jong discussions however, with Barcelona holding a long-term interest in Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
With Boehly pitching a swap deal on a number of occasions this summer, and with both parties openly interested in players from each other, an unprecedented deal could be struck.