Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of beating Manchester United to signing midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer after entering talks with Barcelona.
The Blues are willing to match United's agreed fee of £71million for the Holland international and can offer De Jong a continuation of Champions League football this season.
United, however, have not given up the pursuit of a player manager Erik ten Hag made the priority signing of his first summer but De Jong is reluctant to move to Old Trafford and play in the Europa League.
Thomas Tuchel's side are now in direct talks with the Catalan giants and are optimistic of being able to agree a deal with the 25-year-old, according to The Athletic.