Manchester United open talks over audacious Chelsea transfer raid as Blues sweat over star’s contract

Manchester United have sounded out the entourage of Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante over a potential transfer to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a top class signing in defensive midfield after a dip in form from Nemanja Matic this season and a lack of impact made by summer signing Fred in that department.

And CaughtOffside understands United have made Kante one of their top targets, in what would be an ambitious and audacious raid on their rivals.

N’Golo Kante would be a big loss for Chelsea if he joined Manchester United or anyone else

The France international is undoubtedly one of the very best players in the world in his position at the moment and has shown his quality in the Premier League with some big performances in the last few years.

How Manchester United could line up after transfer revamp involving £90m CB signing, Chelsea raid and smart free agent swoop

With the January transfer window not too far away now, here’s a look at who Manchester United seem to be after if...

Chelsea ‘on the verge’ of sealing exciting transfer of potential Eden Hazard replacement

Chelsea are reportedly ‘on the verge’ of winning the transfer battle for Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic, according to the Daily Express.

The Blues are being tipped as the most likely club to sign the £70million-rated USA international at the moment, in what looks like potential planning for the departure of star forward Eden Hazard.

The Belgium international’s Stamford Bridge future remains in some doubt at the moment, with his contract due to expire at the end of next season and top clubs circling.

Most notably, Diario Gol continue to link the 27-year-old with Real Madrid, but one imagines others will soon stand up and take notice if he doesn’t commit his future to Chelsea.

Pulisic, however, is a similar style of player and at the age of 20 has his best years ahead of him, so could be an ideal long-term replacement in that area of the pitch.

It remains to be seen precisely how close a deal is, but the Express suggest CFC are in a strong position as 

Chelsea prepare to trigger clause to beat Manchester United to £40million transfer

Chelsea are reportedly lining up an epic January transfer window spending spree, and their former player Nathan Ake is said to be among their top targets.

The Blues have an option to re-sign Ake for £40million and will apparently look to invoke that clause this January, according to the Daily Express.

The Netherlands international has impressed greatly since leaving Chelsea for Bournemouth, and seems a logical signing for most top six clubs right now.

Ake was recently linked with Manchester United and Tottenham by the Sun, and it’s clear he could strengthen either of those, though perhaps United in particular.

Still, it seems Chelsea have some edge in this potential transfer battle, and also want to strengthen their defence this winter.

Real Madrid consider shock Chelsea raid in what might be the most bizarre transfer rumour of the season

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in a shock transfer swoop for Chelsea misfit Michy Batshuayi to solve their problems up front.

The Belgium international, you may remember, is currently on loan at Valencia, and has not exactly made much of an impact for Madrid’s La Liga rivals.

Michy Batshuayi in action for loan club Valencia

Batshuayi has scored only two goals so far this season, one in La Liga and one in the Champions League, and as a result he hasn’t exactly cemented his place in the Valencia starting XI.

Still, Diario Gol claim Real Madrid are so desperate for a striker that they’re considering a swoop for the Blues ace, who has shown in the past that he can be a reliable option.

The 25-year-old has never quite been a regular at Stamford Bridge, but seemed a dangerous option from the bench before also impressing on loan at Borussia Dortmund last season.

Real Madrid transfer news: Classy duo targeted to solve problematic area for Solari

Although they’ve improved offensively under Santiago Solari, Real Madrid are reportedly considering a move for either Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Falcao to bolster their attack.

Since Solari replaced Julen Lopetegui, Los Blancos have won four consecutive games in all competitions, scoring 15 goals while conceding just two.

However, they remain in sixth place in the La Liga standings, having scored 20 goals in 12 league outings, which to put into greater context is 14 less than rivals and league leaders Barcelona have managed.

Failing to adequately replace Cristiano Ronaldo this past summer could also be argued as a factor, but ultimately, the likes of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Isco, Marco Asensio and others haven’t produced consistently enough to soften the blow of losing the Portuguese superstar.

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