Chelsea and Man Utd line up sensational Sterling Sancho swap transfer

Manchester United have formally opened talks to sign Raheem Sterling in a deal which could see Jadon Sancho also join Chelsea.

Sterling has been training away from Chelsea’s first team as part of the ‘bomb squad’ of players who have been told they are not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans going forward.

Sancho, meanwhile, returned to the United fold this season after clearing the air with Erik ten Hag, however the winger has not featured in the club’s opening two Premier League games.

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According to The Telegraph, United sporting director Dan Ashworth was in dialogue with Chelsea this week over a sensational deal that would see both players move in opposite directions.

United are said to be ‘determined’ to capitalise on Sterling’s exile by paying no outlay to land the 29-year-old, who is thought to only want a permanent exit from Chelsea rather than a loan move.

Chelsea have been expected to subsidise some of Sterling’s wages, in excess of €300,000-per-week, at his next club, in order to facilitate his exit, and Sancho is a player whom the club are keen to add to Maresca’s squad.

European sides also interested in Sterling and Sancho

Sterling is expected to leave Chelsea before Friday’s transfer deadline, with another undisclosed European club also said to be in contention for his signature.

However, the former England international would likely train with Chelsea’s under-21 squad if no deal is considered suitable before the end of the window.

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Sancho is also likely to leave United in the coming days, either permanently or on loan, with Juventus also in talks over the 24-year-old.

Chelsea’s interest in Sancho is thought to be dependent on Sterling or another player moving to Old Trafford and an agreement is not thought to be close due to the complicated nature of the deal.

Sterling is also believed to be looking to resolve his contractual situation at Chelsea before deciding his next destination, with his current salary likely to prove a difficult obstacle to for interested teams to overcome.