Despite sanctioning Leny Yoro’s signing less than a week ago, Manchester United remain actively scouring the market for another centre-back addition.
In truth, more than one new arrival in the position is necessary following the exits of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala. Jonny Evans penned another one-year deal following his contract expiry in June, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof face uncertain futures – particularly the latter, who is out of contract in 2025.
The Reds have found themselves most heavily linked with Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite after seeing bids rejected for both of them. De Ligt is undoubtedly a cheaper option this summer and is perhaps Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice given their history together at Ajax, although his current wages and injury history leave a lot to be desired.
As such, INEOS may turn to a Premier League rival to bolster the manager’s backline next season; the club had already been linked with Trevoh Chalobah earlier in the window, but his exclusion from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States has all but confirmed he’ll be on his way out of West London in the coming weeks.
Enzo Maresca has controversially decided to omit the 24-year-old homegrown talent from his summer plans, which says a lot about the role he’d play should he stay at Stamford Bridge for the forthcoming campaign.
Why United are considering Chalobah
Valued in the region of £25 million, Chalobah’s versatility – being able to play both centrally and at right-back – makes him an almost ideal suitor for what INEOS chiefs are looking for. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been tipped to complete a move away for several weeks now, and the Cobham graduate can provide coverage to Diogo Dalot when needed across the term.
It remains to be seen if United will accelerate their interest by sending a proposal Chelsea’s way. If not, Fulham, Newcastle, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund will be waiting in the wings considering their own pursuits.
Ben Jacobs shared his understanding of the Red Devils’ interest when speaking to GiveMeSport, revealing: “Should he now leave, which is likely, it’s understood that Chalobah is looking for a club with European football.
“Manchester United hold genuine interest and are intent on signing a second centre-back, having already added Leny Yoro from Lille. If Aaron Wan-Bissaka goes to West Ham United, Chalobah’s ability to play at right-back would be seen as an asset.”
