Frenkie de Jong has been Manchester United’s primary target all summer, but there is certainly reason to believe Erik ten Hag won’t get his man before deadline day.
Former right-back Gary Neville says he was told that Frenkie de Jong would prefer a move to Chelsea rather than Manchester United.
The former United captain received the information from a “third-hand” source while out in Miami when Barcelona were in the city for their pre-season tour of the United States a fortnight ago.
Neville stresses the information didn’t come from a “concrete source” but said it is noteworthy following reports Chelsea are trying to hijack a deal for the Netherlands midfielder.
On Twitter he reacted to the news that Chelsea are actively pursuing De Jong, writing: “I was in Miami when Barca were 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.”
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. https://t.co/UQd8G69sSj
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) August 2, 2022
Is Neville trying to prepare United fans for news they didn’t want to see this summer? Well, only time will tell, but it’s proving a real task to sign De Jong yet Barcelona are desperate for money.
The La Liga giants still owe the player €17m in deferred wages.
Let us know in the comments section when you think De Jong will be playing his football next season.
