Chelsea have reportedly made an official approach for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.
Signing a new centre-forward is known to be Chelsea's priority on transfer deadline day with each of Brentford's Ivan Toney and Napoli's Victor Osimhen on their radar.
However, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, as well as the club's recruitment team, are seemingly open to all kinds of business before Friday's 11pm deadline.
The Blues are hopeful of finding a home for Raheem Sterling, who is not wanted by Enzo Maresca, and there are enough wingers in the squad where the England international would not necessarily need to be replaced.
Nevertheless, reports throughout Friday have indicated that Chelsea are making every effort to secure the signature of Sancho.
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Chelsea moving forward despite Ten Hag comments?
That is despite Erik ten Hag claiming at a press conference on Friday afternoon that Sancho is more likely to stay at Old Trafford than move to the capital.
Just over an hour after Ten Hag's media briefing, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea had submitted an official bid for the 24-year-old.
Romano says that Chelsea are looking to sign Sancho on a deal that would be an initial loan, but with more lucrative terms to what has previously been offered by Juventus.
Sancho is believed to have given the green light to making the switch to Stamford Bridge, with the final decision seemingly down to United.
Ten Hag has chosen not to select Sancho for either of the opening two Premier League fixtures against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively.
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United to sign a Chelsea player as a replacement?
Although reports linking Sterling to United have recently quietened down, it remains plausible that the 29-year-old could be drafted into Ten Hag's squad if Sancho leaves.
Ten Hag stressed at his press conference that he views Sancho as an important option given the amount of games that United have during the first half of the season.
Playmaker Carney Chukwuemeka has also been linked with a shock switch to United at a time when Chelsea are becoming increasingly desperate to reduce their outgoings.
Darren Plant
