As things stand, Manchester United could miss out on Jadon Sancho. Ed Woodward is reportedly only willing to sign the England international for a maximum fee of £50million because of the coronavirus crisis. But, in Willian, the Red Devils could pounce to sign a considerably cheaper alternative.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees the Borussia Dortmund star as being the ideal player for the right wing, with Daniel James and Mason Greenwood both better-utilised elsewhere on the pitch.
But United are supposedly wary. They don’t want to pay over the odds for the 20-year-old, with Woodward afraid of how the club could look in the eyes of the world if they do.
And they could sign Chelsea star Willian as an alternative.
The Brazil international will be staying with the Blues until at least the end of the season, having been at the club ever since arriving from Russian outfit FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer of 2013.
But, the moment the final ball is kicked, the Brazilian is expected to depart.
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And, now, the Blues are expected to wave goodbye to the Samba star once their domestic (and European) campaigns finish.
United could be his next destination.
The Daily Mail say the Red Devils are interested in snapping up the winger, who has also been linked with Premier League giants Arsenal and Tottenham - as well as Barcelona.
And United’s need is arguably greatest.
Should they miss out on Sancho, they face another year of Greenwood and James playing out of position. Good players though they are, that can’t be allowed to happen.
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James, too, has been played out of position. Though he initially flourished in that area United’s coaching staff believe he’d be better on the opposite side instead.
No other player currently on United’s books is a specialist in that area.
Marcus Rashford was trialled there at times by Jose Mourinho during the Tottenham boss’ spell at Old Trafford but he’s since made the left flank his own.
Anthony Martial was often used on the wing by Mourinho, too, but Solskjaer prefers the France international down the middle instead.
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But, like James and Rashford, the club believe he’s another better-suited to the left wing.
For United, Willian would be a no-brainer. He’d offer experience to a youthful squad that lacks it at the current time.
And he’d also offer a new dimension to Solskjaer’s attack as he plots a way to dethrone Liverpool as champions of England next year.
Chelsea would loathe to lose him to a Premier League rival but, given Willian wants to stay in England and United are interested, there’s every chance that could happen.
And the Blues’ loss may just be United’s gain.
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