Chelsea are ‘close to agreeing a deal’ with Barcelona for midfielder Frenkie de Jong to move to Stamford Bridge.
That’s according to Sport, who say the Catalans are ‘making progress in negotiations’ with the Premier League side.
The newspaper reports that the two clubs are very close to reaching a transfer agreement for the Dutchman, despite the fact he is still adamant he wants to stay at the Nou Camp.
Sources close to the negotiations have assured Sport that the figures on the table make the potential agreement ‘favourable for both parties’.
Thus the decision will be in De Jong’s hands, although he has already had it made clear to him that Barcelona are making his exit a priority if he won’t reduce his wages.
They only started to negotiate ‘in earnest’ a few days ago and would be willing to exceed €80m between a fixed fee and variables. That’s the price Barcelona have set to sanction a sale.
Joan Laporta and manager Xavi are happy for De Jong to stay but need him to do so on reduced terms, but his entourage aren’t interested in entering negotiations on that front.
If that remains the case and an agreement is reached with Chelsea, they could invite the Dutchman to leave. De Jong would still have the upper hand, though, as he is protected by his contract and has no reason to break it or give up the money he is owed.
In the meantime, there has been ‘a lot of movement’ in the last few hours with Chelsea, who are ‘in constant contact’ with his agents trying to close a deal.
