In a saga that seems to be ever-changing, here is the latest on the future of Manchester United and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong, who is reportedly furious with Barcelona.
According to Sport, the Catalan giants and the Blues are close to reaching a transfer agreement for the 25-year-old midfielder.
The Netherlands international has been the subject of speculation since the beginning of the window, amid reports that Barcelona hope to sell him for a big fee in a bid to improve their current financial situation.
United initially appeared to be considered the favourites to land De Jong's signature, but Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea are now tipped to be the frontrunners due to the player's desire to continue in the UEFA Champions League.
The midfielder is said to have been informed by Barca that the only way he can stay at the club is if he accepts a significant wage cut, a conversation the player and his representatives will reportedly not entertain.
In recent weeks, the Spanish giants have gone as far as to dig up "evidence" that suggests his most recent contract extension, approved by the club's previous board, involved criminal activity that could see him being taken to court.
Reportedly angry with the Blaugrana's handling of the situation, De Jong has still not given any indication as to what he will do ahead of the 2022/23 LaLiga season, despite time running out until the end of the window.
It is claimed Chelsea would be willing to pay more than €80 million (R1.3 billion) for the former Ajax Amsterdam star, a proposal Barca would be happy to accept. It is, however, suggested that the ball remains in De Jong's court.
