CHELSEA are reportedly preparing a deadline day swoop for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire IF they fail to sign Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana.
The Blues are in the market for another centre-back following the summer exits of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Malang Sarr.
Kalidou Koulibaly has already joined the club from Napoli, but boss Thomas Tuchel isn’t done bolstering his backline.
Leicester’s Fofana, 21, has been subject to £70million bids by the Stamford Bridge club, and is said to be keen on a move.
Fofana has been left out of the last two matchday squads and has been set to work with the club’s U23s after failing to turn up to training on one day last week.
However, Leicester rejected Chelsea’s advancements and want a world-record fee for a defender.
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And according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are exploring alternatives to Fofana, which has led them to Man Utd captain Maguire.
The England international, 29, is fighting for his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting 11, and the Blues could make a move before the September 1 deadline.
Maguire was dropped along with Cristiano Ronaldo by Ten Hag for Monday night’s 2-1 victory over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The defender is still in Ten Hag‘s plans this season, but reports suggest he is no longer seen as indispensable.
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On the decision to drop Maguire for Raphael Varane, Ten Hag said: “Varane is a very experienced player, won everything and will bring the communication in the back four.
“We want mobility and agility in the back four.”
United legend Roy Keane told Sky Sports on the dropping decisions: “The performances haven’t been good enough so he’s made some big calls.
“That’s what a manager’s job is, particularly at a big club, he’s left out big players, personality of Ronaldo is obviously a problem going back to pre-season.
“Harry Maguire has not played well, defensively they’re giving up goals, so there’s no surprise. He’s been forced into these changes.”
