Chelsea interested in Jadon Sancho-Raheem Sterling swap deal with Man Utd

Chelsea are considering a surprise late move for Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho before the transfer window closes on Friday.

In what would be one of the most remarkable deals of another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, the club are hoping that United might even be interested in a swap deal involving Raheem Sterling.

At the same time Chelsea have revived talks over a loan deal to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

It is understood that the terms now being offered to Chelsea by the Italian club are far more favourable – although there potentially remains a major stumbling block over the salary wanted by the 25-year-old striker who has been a long-term target.

Even so, signing Osimhen appears a more likely option and priority for Chelsea at present.

Wages are also a significant problem with regards to Sancho. United have so far not received an official approach from Chelsea for the winger, who they are keen to sell, but are aware of the interest.

Talks are further advanced with Juventus to sign Sancho before Friday’s 11pm deadline and, at present, the Serie A club looks a more likely destination.

United would like to receive a fee of around £40 million for Sancho but a loan with an obligation to buy appears to be the most likely offer at this stage.

Even then it is unlikely that any club would want to cover Sancho’s wages in full, which United will try and insist on.

Sancho has been left out of United’s match-day squad for both of their Premier League matches so far although he did travel for Saturday’s 2-1 away defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Afterwards manager Erik ten Hag, who apparently patched up his differences with Sancho over the summer, insisted the England international had to fight for his place at United. “It was a choice to make, we have some issues,” Ten Hag said after leaving out the 24-year-old.

Despite a flurry of signings, including Joao Felix who scored on his debut in the 6-2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday after making a permanent return to Chelsea, the club are looking to add to their forward options.

Sancho is described as one of several players they are looking at this week as Chelsea keep their options open. It does appear to be an extremely complicated deal to complete with several moving parts and two big clubs, and rivals, involved.

Sterling has been told he can leave Chelsea this window and does not feature in the plans of the new head coach Enzo Maresca. The 29-year-old has been left out of the squad and is training separately and has had his No 7 squad number taken off him and given to Felix.

Negotiations are ongoing to find a solution for Sterling who has three years left on a contract that is believed to earn him around £300,000-a-week. He would prefer a permanent move away – and has also been the subject of interest from Juventus – but a loan appears more likely.

It remains to be seen whether United would have any desire to sign Sterling. Chelsea would also only want to bring in Sancho if he was prepared to fit into the far leaner wage structure which has been introduced in the past couple of years.

That is therefore likely to mean he would have to accept, with two years left on his contract at Old Trafford, a big pay cut or have his wages subsidised by United. Sterling would appear to be in a similar situation.

There have been indications that Chelsea might also offer Ben Chilwell, who is also no longer wanted, but so far the suggestions have only been of a deal potentially involving Sterling for Sancho.