Chelsea are confident clinching the signing of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Athletic says the Blues are willing to match United's agreed fee of £71million for the Holland international and can offer De Jong a continuation of Champions League football this season.
United, however, have not given up their pursuit of Erik ten Hag's priority target of his first summer but De Jong is reluctant to move to Old Trafford and play in the Europa League.
However, Thomas Tuchel's side are now in direct talks with the Catalan giants and are optimistic of being able to agree a deal for the 25-year-old.
Despite Chelsea's interest, De Jong is still United's top transfer target with new boss Ten Hag desperate for a reunion with his former Ajax midfielder.