Transfer Centre

Chelsea transfer news: Man United 'considering move' for defender

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter
Published: 08 July 2024 2:38 PM

English competition? Man United 'considering move' for Chelsea defender

Manchester United are allegedly contemplating whether to make an approach for a Chelsea defender during the summer transfer window.

Manchester United have reportedly identified a Chelsea defender as a potential summer transfer target.

Since the end of last season, the newly-formed footballing operations team at Old Trafford have been working to bring in fresh faces to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad.

As it stands, there have been no incomings, but it has been alleged that two major names could be arriving at Old Trafford after the conclusion of Euro 2024.

Should those deals materialise as expected, Ten Hag would have added quality in central defence and attack, two areas that lacked suitable backup in 2023-24.

Nevertheless, given the issues that occurred at left-back throughout last season, it is plausible that United will look to sign another player for that position.

Chelsea's Ben Chilwell looks dejected after the match on September 24, 2023 © Reuters

Chilwell emerges as Man United option

Injury restricted Luke Shaw to just 15 appearances in all competitions, while Tyrell Malacia missed the entire season with a knee injury.

The latter could plausibly be allowed to leave United or spend next season away from the club, which would result in Ten Hag and the recruitment team entering the market for a replacement.

According to the Daily Mail, Chilwell is on a list of potential alternatives for that side of the backline.

Chilwell has made just 106 outings for Chelsea across four seasons, a result of various knee and hamstring injuries sustained in recent campaigns.

Failing to start a single game from March 2 onwards ensured that the 27-year-old missed out on a place in England's squad for Euro 2024.

There have also been reports that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is prepared to cash in on Chilwell due to concerns over his tactical flexibility.

Brentford's Ivan Toney in action with Chelsea's Ben Chilwell on March 2, 2024 © Reuters

A move that suits all parties?

Mason Mount has failed to make an impact at United since leaving Chelsea, but that is not to say that Chilwell would not benefit from a change of scenery.

Although there are still three years left on his contract, it seems unlikely that he will feature in Chelsea's future, particularly when Marc Cucurella has turned around his Blues career.

Furthermore, Levi Colwill and reported incoming Renato Veiga are also capable of deputising at left-back, subsequently making Chilwell a sellable asset.