Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is keen to hear from Chelsea.
Manchester United are attempting to close a deal with Barca for the Holland international.
The Guardian says, however, De Jong's desire to play Champions League football could put the Blues in a stronger negotiating position should they challenge United.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be backed with £200m from new owner Todd Boehly, and the Blues boss is keen to lower the average age of his experienced midfield.
With N'Golo Kante and Jorginho both now on the wrong side of 30, Tuchel is open to bringing in De Jong.
De Jong's legs would give Chelsea a different dynamic in midfield and his ability to play as a centre-back in a three-man defence is also an aspect which could make working with Tuchel a better match than reuniting with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag at United.
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