REPORT: Barcelona Star Is A ‘Backup Option Rather Than A Primary Target’ For Chelsea
Chelsea do not hold a strong interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
Catalan newspaper Sport had claimed that the Blues were actively pursuing the Netherlands international ahead of the January transfer window.
However, TEAMtalk say that isn’t the case. De Jong is said to be a “backup option rather than a primary target” for manager Xabi Alonso and the recruitment team.
While the Blues have considered an approach for the 29-year-old in the past, his recent injury problems mean he is not seen as a transfer priority.
De Jong is currently sidelined with a medial knee ligament injury and he won’t be back to full fitness before the end of the year.
Most Read on Chelsea News
Who is the primary target for Chelsea?
Alex Scott is the player that the Blues will prioritise, with it being revealed earlier this week that his club, Bournemouth, are now willing to sanction his departure in the New Year.
Several bids were reportedly made for the England international last summer, but the Cherries were reluctant to sell at the time.
Scott has subsequently rejected a contract extension, and that is believed to have played a role in his club softening their stance on his departure. He won’t be available on the cheap, though, with his asking price set at around £100m.
Are there any other midfielders on the shortlist?
Monaco’s Lamine Camara came very close to moving to Stamford Bridge on Deadline Day last month, so there could still be some interest in the Senegalese international.
Roma’s Manu Kone was another player who was pursued in the last few days of the transfer window before the move stalled.
For now, it is believed that Scott is very much at the top of the shortlist, but there will be competition from other teams, including Liverpool, for the player, so Chelsea will have to keep their options open.