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Manchester United, Chelsea 'monitoring Brighton & Hove Albion's Robert Sanchez'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 13 November 2022

Man United, Chelsea 'monitoring Brighton's Robert Sanchez'

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez emerges as a transfer target for Manchester United and Chelsea, according to a report.

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly both keeping an eye on Robert Sanchez's form for Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 24-year-old has been with the Seagulls since 2013, progressing through their youth system before making his first-team debut for the club in 2018.

Sanchez has been Brighton's number one in each of the last two full seasons, while he is again firmly first choice between the sticks this term, already making 14 appearances.

The goalkeeper has been selected in the Spain squad for the World Cup, meanwhile, and he will be hoping to add to his one international cap during the competition in Qatar.

According to The Mirror, Sanchez's form has drawn the attention of both Man United and Chelsea, with the pair monitoring his performances ahead of potential offers next year.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Robert Sanchez during the warm up before the match on December 29, 2021 © Reuters

The report claims that Man United view Sanchez as a possible long-term replacement for David de Gea, who will see his current deal at Old Trafford expire next summer.

The former Atletico Madrid youngster is believed to be in line for a new deal in Manchester, but he would allegedly have to be prepared to accept a pay cut of around £100,000 a week.

Chelsea, meanwhile, could be in the market for a new stopper next summer, with Blues head coach Graham Potter said to be unconvinced by either Kepa Arrizabalaga or Edouard Mendy.

The report claims that Potter, who has a close relationship with Sanchez following their time together at Brighton, is unsure whether Kepa or Mendy suit his style of football.

Brighton would be in a strong position when it comes to any negotiations for the Spaniard, though, as he has a contract at the Amex until the summer of 2025.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during defeat to Arsenal on November 6, 2022. © Reuters

Chelsea have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, including each of their last three in the Premier League to Brighton, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

The Blues were also knocked out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night by Manchester City, but they have managed to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League.

Man United, meanwhile, will face Fulham on Sunday afternoon in their final game ahead of the break for the World Cup.

The 20-time English champions saw a nine-game unbeaten run come to an end when they lost at Aston Villa in the league last weekend, but they gained revenge on Unai Emery's side on Thursday night, running out 4-2 winners in the third round of the EFL Cup.