Manchester United's desperation to bolster their squad before transfer deadline day has seen them move for Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.
United have failed to get deals for Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong and Juventus's Adrien Rabiot over the line, and have now switched their focus to US international Pulisic. Chelsea have received an inquiry from United to sign Pulisic, with the request likely to be rebuffed by the London club, who would be more interested in a loan deal.
Pulisic, who United looked at before Chelsea signed him from Borussia Dortmund for £58million in 2019, has two years left on his current deal and is frustrated at his limited playing time. The 23-year-old was a substitute in Chelsea's opening two Premier League games this season and has played just 30 minutes in total from the bench.
United boss Erik ten Hag is looking for a versatile attacker who can provide a threat from out wide on the right, with Pulisic fitting the profile of the player he wants. As well as United, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also understood to have registered their interest in Pulisic, who is desperate for more game-time ahead of the World Cup this winter.
It is understood Chelsea's willingness to let Pulisic leave, either on loan or in a permanent switch, is dependent on their ability to bring in a replacement for him. Chelsea have so far had two offers rejected for Everton forward Anthony Gordon, with United's pursuit of Pulisic looking like resting on whether or not the Blues can close that deal or bring in an alternative.
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Speaking in 2017, before he had joined the Blues, Pulisic confessed his love for United and most specifically one club legend. "I was a big Manchester United fan when I was younger," Pulisic told ESPN. "I loved to watch Rooney. I wouldn't say I'm a similar player, though.
"I think his passion for the game is something you don't see much in players. That's what I loved about him."
