While the domestic season is now underway throughout Europe, the transfer window is still very much in full swing.
It seems that a huge proportion of clubs will be hoping to add to their squads in the weeks ahead, with some big names likely to be on the move. Manchester United and Chelsea are certainly two clubs that will be looking to get some more business done.
The Premier League pair have left their much of their business until the latter part of the transfer window, although Chelsea have added some well-known names in recent times. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly have arrived at Stamford Bridge, with a record deal for Marc Cucurella also confirmed earlier this week. However, they will be looking to add to that before the end of the month.
As for Manchester United, it is clear that their squad is not good enough to compete for the top four as currently constructed.
Both clubs have been heavily linked with a move for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong in recent times, although getting such a deal over the line could be about to become more difficult.
Manchester United & Chelsea dealt blow in Frenkie de Jong chase
Despite Barcelona's massive financial struggles, they have not been shy in the transfer market this summer. They have spent big on the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde this summer, with the likes of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen also arriving on free transfers with big pay packets.
They have activated a number of 'financial levers' in order to fund those moves, selling off part of their future TV revenue in order to get an immediate cash injection. However, it was also assumed that some players sales would have to be made in order to balance the books.
Frenkie de Jong seemed like an obvious candidate, being one of the few assets in their squad that could net a big transfer fee if he was moved on. Manchester United have spent much of the summer chasing the Dutchman, with Chelsea also linked in recent times.
It was thought that the money gained from that sale would be used to fund a move for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, although that may not be necessary.
SPORT are reporting that Barcelona will have the funds available to sign Bernardo Silva this summer regardless of any Frenkie de Jong sale, meaning the player looks much less likely to leave the Camp Nou during the current transfer window.
Barcelona had been keen to move him on for financial reasons, both in terms of securing a transfer fee and getting his wages off the books. De Jong is currently owed around €17million in unpaid wages by the club and has been unwilling to waive such a large amount in order to push through a transfer.
The midfielder seems to have little interest in leaving Catalonia.
It would have been hoped that Barcelona's desperation to sign Bernardo Silva could force him out the door, but this latest development will be a blow to those chasing de Jong. SPORT suggests that the club is set to find another capital investment to fund the deal for the Manchester City player, meaning it will no longer be dependant on de Jong's departure.
Despite being a key man under Pep Guardiola in recent seasons, the Premier League champions are reportedly willing to let the Portuguese player leave for a fee of around €80million.
That will be a blow to both Manchester United and Chelsea. Erik ten Hag has spent much of the summer chasing his former Ajax player, and while a deal with Barcelona has reportedly been agreed, the 25-year old has shown little interest in moving to Old Trafford.
This latest development could prove to be the final nail in the coffin in their chase for the player, leaving them scrambling to find a backup option as we approach the end of the transfer window.
SEE ALSO: Portsmouth Fans Weren't Long Turning On Gavin Bazunu
