Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Napoli had an offer of around £40million rejected last week but, as the MEN reported, turned their attention to other targets. Napoli are now keener on a move for Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi.

Well-placed sources say Chelsea have advanced their interest in Garnacho, who is in the United starting XI for their Europa League tie against Rangers tonight, amid United's openness to selling one of their most valuable squad members. Napoli have not ruled out a second bid for Garnacho, though.

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Garnacho, 20, is not actively seeking to leave United but the club is prepared to sell the Argentina international if they receive an acceptable offer.

United would reluctantly sell a prized academy product amid their struggles to comply with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules. Sources say United are under increasing pressure to sell a highly-valuable academy player, which would represent a pure profit under the PSR rules.

Garnacho joined United from the Atletico Madrid academy when he was 16 in 2020. United also want to sell Marcus Rashford, although a loan move is likelier this month.

The end of the financial year is June 30 and, while the summer transfer window will be open by then, the winter window has become more opportunistic for clubs looking to prey on the financial uncertainty at Premier League teams.

Garnacho was one of a handful of players United deemed not for sale in the summer but the club is now open to any homegrown sales.

United have refused to comment on Garnacho's future and the winter window is open until February 3. Garnacho is under contract at United until 2028, with the option of an additional year.