Chelsea player offered to Man United in late transfer window twist

Manchester United have been presented with the opportunity to sign Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo to bolster their centre-back options. 

The former England youth international was not involved in their 3-2 victory at former side Fulham.

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The tailor-made arrival of Maxence Lacroix for Xabi Alonso’s favoured three-at-the-back system means Adarabioyo is likely to see his game time restricted.

Manchester United transfer news

Kicking off their Premier League campaign with a humbling defeat at newly promoted Hull City, the Red Devils are aiming to sign a left-back before the window slams shut.

Lewis Hall of Newcastle United had long been mooted as an option in this position.

However, talkSPORT football correspondent Ben Jacobs understands they are also aiming to add to their centre-back department as they aim to compete on all fronts in Michael Carrick’s first full season in the dugout. 

Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire were the defensive duo at the MKM Stadium, while Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro were unused substitutes.

But both back-ups have endured injury problems during their time at Old Trafford. 

The availability of Matthijs de Ligt has been a constant concern as well, having undergone back surgery and not featured since November, although he is set to return soon. 

Chelsea’s defensive deals an option

Hamstring and calf problems led to Adarabioyo only featuring on 16 occasions in the Premier League last term, struggling for continuity under three managers, and he is one of a plethora of centre-backs which Chelsea have put up for sale this summer. 

Manchester United also hold an interest in the 28-year-old’s Chelsea teammate Josh Acheampong but they view their academy graduate as untouchable and an integral part of Alonso’s long-term plans. 

The versatile defender starred at Craven Cottage in a centre-back role and impressed in their Carabao Cup progression against Luton Town. 

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Coventry City were keen to secure his signature on loan, with Frank Lampard interested in luring him to the West Midlands but those links now appear to have gone cold.

Who else could Manchester United sign?

Another option the 13-time Premier League champions are monitoring is Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Southampton. 

Aston Villa and Benfica are among the clubs in the race for his services but neither have met the Saints’ £30million valuation. 

The 24-year-old was at the heart of Southampton’s sublime end-of-season form as they went from relegation contenders to promotion hopefuls under Tonda Eckert, only for the ‘Spygate’ fiasco to derail their season. 

This has coincided with their star defender being touted for a move away and he wasn’t involved in their Championship clash with Stoke City, only intensifying speculation over his potential departure. 

The Red Devils completed most of their business early on with the double midfield acquisition of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, and more recently Carlos Baleba, yet their transfer activity is set to accelerate in the coming days.