How Man Utd could make Chelsea’s transfer nightmare even worse

Tom Hancock

7 Aug 2023 18:14 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag and the Manchester United badge on a red abstract background — © ProShots

Manchester United are reportedly considering Chelsea transfer target Tyler Adams as an alternative to Sofyan Amrabat.

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Adams has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge following his relegation from the Premier League with Leeds last season.

The Blues have been struggling to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton – and they will not want to let another potential target get away from them, not least to a Premier League rival.

Man Utd, meanwhile, are also said to have identified Everton’s Amadou Onana in the event that they are unable to sign Amrabat from Fiorentina.

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That’s according to the Mirror, who state that United are still ‘reviewing’ their midfield department, with several players touted for exits from Old Trafford this summer.

Fred and Donny van de Beek are being linked with Fulham and Real Sociedad respectively, while Scott McTominay may also find himself surplus to requirements.

Man Utd have made one midfield addition so far this transfer window, signing Mason Mount from Chelsea for an initial £55m, but Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his engine room as he aims to build on the strong foundations he laid in his first campaign in charge of the 13-time Premier League champions.

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Amrabat, Adams, Onana – or none of them?

Amrabat appears to be United’s top target in that respect, but they may have to get their skates on – with reports from Italy claiming that Juventus could beat them to the Moroccan World Cup semi-finalist.

Last month, it was reported that a move for Amrabat might only go ahead if Man Utd were to raise enough funds from player sales.

The 26-year-old is thought likely to cost around £30m (€34.8m); our in-house Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) model currently values Adams and Onana at €37.8m and €22.8m respectively – although the former is believed to have a relegation release clause of £20m (€23.2m).