As the EPL transfer window deepens, the transfer negotiations between Manchester United and Chelsea have become the focus of attention of fans and media. According to a number of authoritative media reports, Manchester United is on the transfer of Sterling and Chelsea for tentative negotiations, while Chelsea also showed great interest in Manchester United's Sancho.
Renowned British journalist Simon Stone has revealed that Manchester United have made initial contact regarding the signing of Chelsea's Sterling, and although the United side has emphasized that the outcome of the negotiations is still uncertain, this undoubtedly reflects the strategy of United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, who is hoping to gain more benefits for the club by taking advantage of Chelsea's current transfer situation. United have said that any deal will be concluded on United's own terms.
Meanwhile, Sancho's future hangs in the balance. Apart from Chelsea, Juventus are also eyeing the English winger. However, Juventus rejected United's offer of a mandatory buyout clause in the loan deal and are not willing to take on Sancho's full wages, making Chelsea a more likely home for Sancho. According to Sky Sports, Chelsea's offers to United always come with the transfer of another player, with both Chilwell and Sterling seen as potential bargaining chips.
Despite United's injury concerns at left-back, the club's recent signing of Mazrahi and Dalot's versatility have put Chilwell's transfer needs on hold for now. Furthermore, United have enough manpower reserves up front to cope with Sancho should he leave the club, so they are in no rush to find a replacement in the transfer market.
In terms of transfer modalities, Manchester United and Chelsea are in discussions over a Sterling-Sancho swap in a number of forms, including a loan, a loan with a mandatory buyout clause and a permanent transfer. Given the salary levels of the players and the realities of the transfer market, each deal will need to be carefully calculated by both clubs to ensure that it is financially viable.
