‘Man United in talks to agree deadline-busting Christopher Nkunku deal’
Man United are still keen to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku in the closing stages of the transfer window, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during their most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is high on United’s list of targets and a move could be made before 3 February.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in November that Nkunku has become unhappy at Stamford Bridge and could force a move away.
The Chelsea forward has started just 13 of his 29 appearances so far this season, and only three of those have been in the Premier League.
As a result, he has been heavily linked with a move away from West London, with Man United among the leading candidates as they look to add firepower to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Now, Nkunku has emerged as a potential late option for Amorim’s side with both a loan and permanent deal having been discussed between the two clubs.
Man United plot late swoop to sign Christopher Nkunku
Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, is edging towards a move away from Old Trafford this month, further increasing their need to add attacking options to their squad.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked as the chief scout at Blackburn and Sunderland, insisted that Nkunku would be a good fit for Amorim’s system and remains highly thought-of at United.
“I watched him play against Man City for Leipzig a couple of years ago,” he told Football Insider.
“He scored a hattrick and his team lost 6-3, but he was very, very eye-catching that day.
“He played not as a centre-forward or a wide man, but almost as a third forward inside on the right, similar to the type of role Amorim uses.
“It’s not quite happened for him at Chelsea, but that could be said for a few of their players.
“But he’s highly thought-of at United and he’s one of the names they’ve been looking at.
“It looks as if Rashford is going to leave after Amorim’s recent comments, so that’s going to free up some space which they’ll want to fill.
“So Nkunku, I think he’d do a good job at United if they can get a deal done.
“Whether that happens on loan or a permanent deal remains to be seen because both have been discussed.”
In other news, significant update on Kobbie Mainoo future today.
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