Manchester United are heading towards the transfer window with one position continuing to be the centre of attention on the rumour mill.
The FA Cup final brought down the curtain on Manchester United’s turbulent campaign, but the season at least ended in style.
United beat Manchester City 2-1 to win a 13th FA Cup with Erik ten Hag giving himself a fighting chance of keeping his job.
Ineos must decide whether or not to keep hold of the United boss but that isn’t stopping the transfer rumours.
United are being linked with centre backs on a regular basis with Tosin Adarabioyo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Marc Guehi both heavily linked.
Targeting Adarabioyo, Branthwaite and Guehi would suggest that United are focusing on homegrown centre backs who know the Premier League landscape.
Bolstering the options in the heart of defence is an absolute priority with Raphael Varane leaving and Lisandro Martinez suffering major injury problems.
Manchester United want Trevoh Chalobah
Another name can now be added to the list.
Unsurprisingly, the latest centre back linked with United is another homegrown defender with Premier League experience.
The Independent claims that United are now ‘considering a move’ to sign Chelsea centre back Trevoh Chalobah.
The key here is that Chelsea need to sell players before June 30th.
Homegrown players are particularly appealing in this regard as they go down as pure profit for the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
That means Chalobah and Conor Gallagher are available and Chelsea would allegedly seek around £25million for Chalobah.
That is certainly cheaper than Branthwaite and Guehi, making Chalobah – who has been praised as a ‘soldier’ by Graham Potter – particularly appealing to United.
The 24-year-old bounced back from a knee injury to enjoy a strong end to the season, regularly starting at either right back or centre back under Mauricio Pochettino.
Chalobah also has the versatility to play in holding midfield if needed, so when you combine a willing seller, a non-exorbitant price, Premier League experience and flexibility in different positions, this looks like an attractive move for United.
Mason Mount could reunite with Chalobah
A deal with United would see Chelsea send another homegrown player to Old Trafford.
Mason Mount made the move from Stamford Bridge last summer and it’s fair to say that his first season at United was a little disappointing.
Mount and Chalobah were close friends at Chelsea, emerging through the ranks together before joining forces in the Blues first team.
United playmaker Mount actually predicted that Chalobah would become a first-team player at Chelsea, backing him to shine if he kept developing.
The pair could now reunite in Manchester with United again looking to take advantage of Chelsea’s willingness to sell homegrown players.
Chalobah may not be quite as exciting as Branthwaite or Guehi, but with a number of positions needing attention this summer, a £25million deal could fit right into the Ineos plans.