Manchester United will reportedly move for Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell during the January transfer window.
The Red Devils were linked with Chilwell over the summer due to their issues at left-back, but the club ultimately decided against actively attempting to sign the England international.
Diogo Dalot has been operating at left-back this season, with Luke Shaw still on the sidelines, while Tyrell Malacia has not made a single appearance for the Red Devils since the 2022-23 season.
Malacia is in the latter stages of his recovery from a serious knee injury, but there are no guarantees when it comes to the Dutchman's fitness due to the amount of time that has spent on the sidelines.
Shaw's ongoing fitness problems are also concerning for Man United, and it is understood that the 20-time English champions will be in the market for a new left-back during the January transfer window.
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Man United 'lining up January move for Chilwell'
According to TEAMtalk, Man United have made Chelsea their 'top target' for the January market, with the Red Devils having a 'concrete interest' in his services.
The report claims that Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also keeping a close eye on the situation, with Chilwell widely expected to be on the move at the start of 2025.
Chilwell is not in Enzo Maresca's plans at Chelsea this season, with the defender not making a single squad in the Premier League or Conference League, although he did play 45 minutes of the recent EFL Cup clash with Barrow.
"Yes, at the moment we need him, why not? I said already many times and I will say again that, as long as Chilly is with us, he is a Chelsea player. And if we need him, we give him a chance and minutes," Maresca said after the fixture with Barrow, but Chilwell was then left out of the team's next two Premier League squads.
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Would Chilwell be a good signing for Man United?
Dalot was excellent for Man United at right-back last season, but there is no getting away from the fact that he has struggled to have an impact as a left-sided defender this term.
Relying on Shaw returning to full fitness is a gamble for the Red Devils, and they do need another player in that area of the field, as it is unclear when Malacia may be available to return.
Chilwell is no longer wanted at Chelsea, but he is a proven performer in the Premier League, making 169 appearances in the competition, scoring 12 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.
The Englishman knows what it takes to perform consistently at the highest level, and it would be a very smart mid-season move for Man United if they could bring him in, with an initial loan move likely to suit all parties.
Matt Law
