A picture of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho outside Old Trafford has been vandalised ahead of his likely transfer exit.
United boss Ruben Amorim informed Garnacho at the end of last season that he should find a new club this summer.
Amorim was frustrated by Garnacho’s performances, both on the pitch and in training, and was also shocked by comments he made following the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Having been included in Amorim’s bomb squad of unwanted players, Garnacho accepts his Manchester United career is over.
Keen to both stay in the Premier League and play for a Champions League club, Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners to save Garnacho from the Red Devils.
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The Argentina international has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea and is waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement.
United are holding out for £50m but Chelsea are reluctant to meet that figure and value Garnacho at around £30m.
A number of Manchester United fans have been disappointed by Garnacho’s attitude over the past 12 months.
And ahead of United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday, a picture of Garnacho outside Old Trafford was defaced.
Garnacho is desperate for United and Chelsea to meet in the middle and strike a deal but may need to consider alternative options as a back-up play.
A number of Serie A clubs were said to be interested in the winger earlier in the summer before Chelsea leaped to the front of the transfer queue.
Garnacho was one viewed as one of the most highly-rated players at Old Trafford but his career has stagnated over the last 12 months.
That has not put off Chelsea but a number of pundits have urged the west London club to ‘reconsider’ their interest.
‘I don’t see Alejandro Garnacho as a great fit at Chelsea,’ former Stamford Bridge star Pat Nevin told football betting site BetVictor.
Frank Leboeuf added on ESPN: ‘No I don’t understand it (Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho), of course not.
‘He’s a great player but you are going to pay £50m for a player in a position where you already have the players you need. He’s not better than what they already have.’
Amorim’s Manchester United bomb squad also includes Jadon Sancho, who is a target for Roma, and Antony, who wants to return to Real Betis.
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