Liverpool and Chelsea aim to beat Man Utd to ‘beast’ transfer

Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is reportedly set to be at the heart of a three-way transfer battle between Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Dutch international’s future at the Camp Nou has been the subject of intense speculation over the last year as the La Liga giants continue to suffer significant financial issues. De Jong looked on his way to Old Trafford during the summer but Barca and the Red Devils were unable to agree a fee and a reunion with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag was put on hold.

Speaking after a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano just days after the move failed to come to fruition, Barcelona head coach Xavi said of De Jong: “Frenkie de Jong is not a reserve player, I’ve said that several times. He’s an important player for us. I don’t know what will happen, but if Frenkie stays he will be important to us. Just look at the situation he played in today.”

However, the Catalan giants’ financial worries are set to be increased as they face an early exit from the Champions League and that could lead to De Jong’s departure during the January transfer window. Reports in Spain have suggested Manchester United will revive their interest in the midfielder but ESPN have now reported Liverpool and Chelsea will also make an attempt to lure the 25-year-old to the Premier League.

Intriguingly, the report also suggests the Anfield hierachy have already made contact with De Jong’s representatives as they look to refresh Jurgen Klopp’s midfield options and fill the gap left by the long-term injury suffered by recent loan signing Arthur Melo. A source was also reported as saying that De Jong ‘may be willing’ to reconsider the decision that saw him remain at Barca during the summer, despite receiving significant interest from elsewhere.