Chelsea consider shock deal to sign Man Utd star before transfer deadline

Chelsea have discussed the possibility of launching a shock move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before the transfer deadline, according to reports.

The Blues have spent well over £300m on new signings this summer, most notably making Morgan Rogers the most expensive British player in history.

Chelsea also spent big on Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Valentin Barco while signing experienced former England stars Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.

Xabi Alonso’s side began their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over west London rivals Fulham on Monday night.

Chelsea’s current focus is on outgoings with Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap both set to be sold and Stamford Bridge bosses also open to offers for Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto.

Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City but Chelsea want at least £120m for the Argentine midfielder.

While Chelsea are looking to raise some funds by offloading several unwanted players, they are also ‘open’ to signing another versatile attacker before the summer transfer window closes next week.

As a result The Independent say Chelsea are considering a late move for Manchester United and England forward Rashford.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona and hoped to earn a permanent move to the Nou Camp only to be sent back to Old Trafford.

United were thought to be keen to offload Rashford upon his return but Michael Carrick then appeared to confirm the 28-year-old would be staying put.

‘He’s our player, you know, and he’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,’ Carrick told ITV1 during pre-season.

‘I’ve known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he’s been in great spirits since he’s been back.

‘He’s been back two or three days training and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest. And we’re looking forward to the start of the season.’

Rashford was introduced at half-time in Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Hull City on Saturday as Carrick’s side suffered a shock 2-0 defeat.

The England World Cup star has made over 400 appearances for his boyhood club since making his United debut a decade ago.

Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend would welcome Rashford’s arrival at Stamford Bridge after the Blues sent Alejandro Garnacho on loan to Aston Villa.

‘I think Marcus Rashford improves Chelsea’s squad, he is an improvement on Alejandro Garnacho, that’s for sure,’ Townsend told CasinoHawks.

‘The number we were talking about was £35m. I’m very surprised that no one has come to get him for that money, even if he’s 28.

‘Wide strikers are asked to produce a lot of output nowadays, and there aren’t many operating in the top flight at thirty-two or thirty-three. So these next couple of years for Marcus are big. It has to be the right move. 

‘He’s on massive wages, which is an issue for any club, but you’d think he could get that to a level everyone finds acceptable. A club like Chelsea might suit him.

‘I could see that. I like Pedro Neto, but he sometimes flatters to deceive. Garnacho is far too inconsistent, like Jadon Sancho, those sorts of players are difficult to accommodate.

‘Rashford showed at Barcelona that he can play at a big club, he understands that mentality.

‘At £35m, I’d be surprised if a deal doesn’t get done, depending on his salary demands. If he wants to stick on £300,000-a-week, then he’s going to have a problem.

‘But there’s no point in going back to Manchester United and not playing at his age. That doesn’t send a great image to potential suitors if he’s happy to just sit on the bench.

‘Marcus and his team should be working around the clock to find the right environment for him at the right level, wage-wise. You want to play.

‘At nearly 29, he’s in his peak, and he needs to be out there more often than not.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.