Manchester United were reportedly prepared to allow Jadon Sancho to move to Chelsea earlier this summer.
The winger has endured two difficult campaigns at Old Trafford since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, failing to impress under different managers.
In total, the England international has contributed 12 goals and six assists from his 82 appearances in all competitions, but he has rarely held down a regular spot on the flank.
Sancho has since endured a difficult start to 2023-24, featuring for just 76 minutes during the opening three Premier League fixtures before he was left out of the squad against Arsenal on Sunday.
Head coach Erik ten Hag claimed that the 23-year-old had performed poorly in training in the days before the defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
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Sancho quickly responded on social media, dismissing Ten Hag's comments and claiming that he had been made 'a scapegoat' during his time at the Theatre of Dreams.
As it stands, it remains unclear whether Sancho will be able to work his way back into Ten Hag's plans now that their spat has become public.
Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have previously made an effort to part ways with Sancho in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea were allegedly asked whether they would like to sign Sancho during discussions for their left-back Marc Cucurella.
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At one point, it appeared likely that United would sign the Spaniard on a season-long loan deal, but they instead opted for Tottenham Hotspur's Sergio Reguilon on similar terms.
Chelsea, at the time, were interested in adding another versatile attacker to their ranks, even on a short-term basis due to a number of injuries.
In theory, Sancho would have fit the bill, but Chelsea's recruitment team secured the permanent signing of Manchester City playmaker Cole Palmer on the final day of the transfer window.
Sancho still has three years remaining on his contract at United.
Darren Plant
