A sensational swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho and Christopher Nkunku COULD happen after both star’s stances were revealed.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea are expected to have a busy end to the January transfer window. The Red Devils could bid farewell to a host of stars as they attempt to navigate PSR issues.
Academy graduate Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move away, while Garnacho is being eyed by Napoli. United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea have emerged as shock contenders for his signature.
And it appears that his stance could potentially lead to a move to Stamford Bridge. According to ESPN, the 20-year-old’s preference would be a move to Chelsea should he be forced to leave his current club.
United boss Ruben Amorim refused to rule out a move away from Old Trafford over the coming days. He said: “I don't know what will happen. Let's focus on the team and the players that we have here. We don't know what can happen until the window closes. Anything can happen."
He added: “I'm focused on the games and he's [Garnacho] here, he's a player for Manchester United. Was really important for us today and let's see in the next days. I think he's improving in every aspect of the game. He was better today playing inside, also outside, changing positions, he's improving the recovering position.
“You can see it until 90 minutes he's always there recovering and helping, sometimes showing some frustration and that is good because he wants more. I think he has potential to be so much better in every situation in the game.
“What I can say is he understood what I was trying to do, was really clear, I just want to help them but in the end it's them that do the job.”
And while Garnacho would be open to a move, it appears United have also been offered encouragement ahead of a potential move for Nkunku. It is reported that the Frenchman is ‘open’ to leaving Chelsea this month.
And again, Blues boss Enzo Maresca has not totally closed the door on the French forward departing. He said: “With Joao and Christo, most managers only play one attacking midfielder.
“They are top players, I like both, they struggle because most of the time we only play with one attacking midfielder. I am not saying they will leave.”
United’s interest in Nkunku apparently stretches back to his time with German side RB Leipzig, only for Chelsea to steal a march. Should they reignite their interest, they could face competition from Bayern Munich but a potential Garnacho swap might see them move to the front of the queue regardless.