Talks ongoing: Man Utd now want to sign 27yo UCL winner before deadline – report

Manchester United could sign a left-back from Chelsea before the transfer deadline, according to The Independent‘s Miguel Delaney.

The Red Devils recently opened talks with the Blues. Sporting director Dan Ashworth proposed to sign Raheem Sterling in a part-exchange deal for Jadon Sancho.

It is now reported that United are discussing a move for Ben Chilwell instead. The clubs could negotiate a loan swap involving Chilwell and Sancho with a possible reduction in wages.

United should avoid pursuing deal for Chilwell

The Red Devils are currently without a fit senior left-back. Luke Shaw is out with a calf injury while Tyrell Malacia has not played since May last year with a knee issue.

Shaw is anticipated to return after the international break, but United may want another option in the role due to the frustrating injury record of the Southampton graduate.

We don’t believe Chilwell can be the solution. The 27-year-old’s injury record is worse than Shaw’s. He has missed 100 games with multiple injuries since the 2021/22 season.

This is a warning sign for the Red Devils. The club should avoid a loan deal for the 2021 Champions League winner, but we won’t be surprised if he is swapped for Sancho.

Sterling was initially mentioned as a possible target for United, but his £325,000 per week salary could be a huge stumbling block even if he accepts a 25 to 30 percent pay-cut.

Chilwell, on the other hand, is on £200,000 per week and would be more affordable with a salary reduction. He could have better chances of starting games over Sterling.

Chilwell could be rotated with Shaw at left-back. Sterling may play a back-up role with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho being the regular starters out wide for manager Erik ten Hag.

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