Harry Redknapp has claimed a member of the Manchester United board has revealed to him that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has turned down a move to Manchester United.

According to Redknapp, De Jong is keen on joining Premier League rivals Chelsea instead.

United have pursued De Jong all summer and despite agreeing an €85 million (£71.7m) deal with Barcelona, the midfielder has been reluctant to leave the Spanish side.

Speaking about De Jong’s situation to The Byline, Redknapp said: “Now it looks like De Jong wants to go to Chelsea, I know that for a fact, he wants to go to Chelsea.

“Man United are not going to get him. I’ve had that from somebody right at the very, very, very top at Man United, he’s made up [his mind], he really wants to go to Chelsea.

“So if he goes to Chelsea, and Man United don’t get him, I don’t know where they’re going and if Chelsea get him obviously he’ll be a fantastic signing for them.”