Chelsea have "definitely enquired" about signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Manchester United are currently trying to tie up a deal for the Dutchman, but it appears their Premier League rivals also have an interest in him.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

GiveMeSport Transfer News

What is the latest news involving De Jong?

On Tuesday, BBC Sport reported that senior United figures Richard Arnold and John Murtough were heading to Barcelona to try and finalise a transfer for De Jong.

The 25-year-old is believed to be Erik ten Hag's primary target this summer, but Barcelona owing him over £17m in deferred wages and bonuses has complicated things.

With the Red Devils struggling to wrap up a deal for De Jong as a result, it has seen Chelsea enter the frame.

According to The Guardian, the west London club are monitoring the Netherlands international's situation and could make a move for him if his transfer to United does not happen.

What has Crook said about De Jong and Chelsea?

Crook has told GIVEMESPORT that Chelsea have asked about signing De Jong but acknowledge United are in the driving seat to land him.

Speaking to GMS, the talkSPORT reporter said: "They definitely enquired about De Jong, but I think their understanding is that United are favourites to sign him."

Do Chelsea need De Jong?

De Jong, who is valued at £101m by the CIES Football Observatory, is a quality midfield player.

As per FBref, the Barcelona man has ranked in the 92nd percentile for pass completion and the 94th for progressive carries among his positional peers over the last year. In possession, he is a very useful footballer to have to say the least.

With N'Golo Kante and Jorginho both out of contract next summer as well, Chelsea may have to start planning for life without the duo. Therefore, a move for De Jong would make a lot of sense.

However, a lot of their recent success has been down to Kante, so bringing in a midfielder similar to the Frenchman's profile would probably be the smarter move.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge back in 2016, Kante has helped Chelsea win the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League.

So while De Jong could be a very astute addition to Thomas Tuchel's squad, the German would probably benefit more from signing a ball winner, with West Ham's Declan Rice obviously being ideal.