Chelsea and Manchester United are both keeping an eye on Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt‘s contract negotiations, according to reports in the Italian media.
The Dutchman’s current deal with the Bianconeri expires in 2024 and it includes a €125m (£106m) release clause, but de Ligt’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, will demand that this be lowered to only €70m (£59.5m) if an extension is signed.
De Ligt has been linked with Chelsea on and off over the past couple of years, but the cost of the transfer has discouraged the Blues from making an offer for the player previously.
The London club are, though, keen to strengthen their options at the back with the impending departures of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
It’s likely, therefore, that they are watching de Ligt’s contract talks with interest, hoping that they can swoop in to secure his services for a much lower amount.