Chelsea monitoring Manchester United bound Frenkie de Jong after Raphinha deal twist |

Chelsea are monitoring Manchester United bound Frenkie de Jong after Raphinha a move twisted following Barcelona intrusion.

Chelsea are behind Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool in the transfer window but the London side are working to get some big names to Stamford Bridge.

They have been linked with Leeds United man Raphinha, Raheem Sterling, Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly and Nathan Ake with a deal for 25-year old Raphinha initially thought to have neared completion.

However, Barcelona intrude later in the frame to dent Chelsea’s chances of signing the Brazilian International. Reports in various sources have boldly claimed that Raphinha is no longer interested in joining Chelsea despite already Leeds and the Blues agreed a deal in principle.

Raphinha has reportedly told his agent to negotiate with Barcelona and the LaLiga giants are in the run to up their financial strength to match Leed’s asking price.

In light of that, Chelsea continue to keep the transfer plans active with talks with Manchester City for Raheem Sterling in advanced stage, and have now turn attention to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong who has been linked with a move to Manchester United all summer.

The Guardian has claimed on early Saturday morning that Chelsea are monitoring development on the Dutch International who is understood to agree to join Manchester United this summer.

United have agreed a fee of €65m (£56.2m) plus add-ons for De Jong and negotiations are now centred around the player’s personal terms. It is understood that the Netherlands international is open to moving to Old Trafford despite previously stating that he is in no rush to leave Barcelona, who need to raise money for signings through sales.

With the Old Trafford side yet to confirm the midfielder as their new signing, and the Guardian revealing de Jong’s desire to play Champions League football next season, Chelsea could grab the former Ajax star should a deal with United breake down.

The London side are keeping close eyes on Manchester United and if proceedings in pursuit of de Jong fails Chelsea will step in the sign the Dutch International.