Manchester United would have to see off Chelsea if they choose to reignite their interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils agreed a £71.5m fee for the Dutchman last summer, only for the player to reject the move. If the midfielder does have a change of heart in a future transfer window, though, Romano believes Chelsea will be waiting in the wings to make an offer as well:

“Let me clarify one thing, it’s true, and we know that Man United want De Jong, Erik ten Hag is in love with De Jong, so this is not new. Man United will always want Frenkie De Jong, but what is the point? Last summer it was not only Man United, Chelsea wanted Frenkie De Jong too. Chelsea were prepared to pay more than Man United for De Jong at one point in the summer, so it is not only Man United if Frenkie changes his mind, but also Chelsea.”

It’s clear that manager Erik ten Hag is a massive fan of de Jong and, from the sound of things, he isn’t willing to give in on securing the player’s signature, despite being snubbed in the past.

A lot would have to happen for a deal to go through now, though. De Jong would not only have to reverse his previous decision, but United would need to find the funds to complete the deal. That amount of money may only be available if there is a change of ownership.