Chelsea make approach for Man Utd star, Ten Hag can't afford to lose him

Chelsea have reportedly made an approach for Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho.

After making his first-team debut for United last season, Garnacho has cemented his place in the squad under Erik ten Hag this term.

He made his first senior start for United against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League in October.

He would go on to score his first senior goal for the club in the same competition against Real Sociedad in November before scoring his first Premier League goal later that month – an injury-time winner against Fulham.

Despite being aged just 18, Garnacho was tipped to be a surprise inclusion in Argentina's World Cup squad but eventually missed out on making the cut.

His impressive form this season has put several clubs in Europe on red alert, with Garnacho yet to commit his long-term future to United.

The Argentine, who joined United's academy from Atletico Madrid in 2020, is reportedly under contract with the Red Devils until 2025.

But United are keen to tie him down to a longer deal, with reports claiming they are prepared to offer him a £50,000 per week contract to keep him at Old Trafford.

Chelsea make approach for Garnacho

Garnacho is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and is being targeted by rival clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea.

According to transfer expert Simon Phillips, Chelsea have approached the player's representatives in an attempt to take him to the capital.

Speaking last month, Garnacho said he was determined to secure more first-team minutes this season after impressing for United prior to the winter break.

"I've had to keep working hard until the moment came where I was given my opportunity. For the moment, I'm making the most of the opportunities he's [Ten Hag] giving me,” he said.

"I don't want to take a backward step from here, I'd like to appear regularly in the team and keep going the same way."

Garnacho could be handed another chance to impress when United face Burnley in the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday night.

Ten Hag's side will then face Nottingham Forest in their return to Premier League action on December 27.

Topics: Alejandro Garnacho, Chelsea, Manchester United, Premier League, Transfers, Football

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan