Manchester United 'plotting summer swoop for 24-year-old Chelsea man'

The Red Devils have been linked with a plethora of names since the arrival of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is expected to oversee a major squad overhaul at Old Trafford ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Ratcliffe has already been at the heart of a boardroom reshuffle that has seen Sir David Brailsford, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox all appointed in prominent roles, while Dan Ashworth could soon follow and become their new sporting director.

There have also been two high-profile departures from the first-team squad, with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial both confirming that they will leave upon the expiration of their contract next month.

Jonny Evans could soon follow suit, leaving Man United light in the centre-back department and forcing Ratcliffe to prioritise the addition of at least one new defender this summer.

Man United weighing up Chalobah move

According to The Independent, Man United are weighing up whether to table a bid for Chelsea's 24-year-old defender Trevoh Chalobah.

The report adds that Ratcliffe is keen to follow the approach of several other elite clubs by signing players under the age of 25, who still have potential to grow and are capable of adapting to the modern pressing demands.

It is understood that Chelsea are willing to part ways with either Chalobah or Conor Gallagher - both home-grown players - this summer in order to meet the required Profit and Sustainability Rules by June 30.

Chalobah still has four years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues are believed to be willing to entertain offers of around £25m for the defender.

Chalobah facing uncertain future at Chelsea

Chalobah joined Chelsea at the age of eight and progressed through the club's youth ranks before going out on loan to Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and Lorient in three consecutive seasons.

The defender eventually made his senior debut for the Blues in August 2021 and he has since made a total of 80 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with five goals.

Chalobah was hampered with injuries in 2023-24, but he did feature regularly under former boss Mauricio Pochettino during the backend of the campaign, starting in 10 of the club's final 13 Premier League fixtures.

It remains to be seen whether Chalobah will fit into the first-team plans of Chelsea's new head coach - presumably Enzo Maresca - and whether he can fend off competition from the likes of Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana for regular starts.