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Alejandro Garnacho was one of five Manchester United players to be left out of first-team action during pre-season; Chelsea have already spent over £250m this summer, with fellow attackers Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao and Jamie Gittens joining Enzo Maresca's squad
Sky Sports News Chief Reporter
Wednesday 27 August 2025 20: 22, UK Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal with Manchester United over the signing of Alejandro Garnacho. A compromise over Garnacho's valuation is set to be reached. United valued him at £50m - which was more than what Chelsea were prepared to pay. There is increased confidence that a deal can be completed before Monday's Deadline Day. Garnacho has turned down offers from other clubs because he wants to move to Chelsea. The winger was told he could leave United at the end of last season and he is not training with their first-team squad. Speaking earlier this summer, United boss Ruben Amorim felt Garnacho is still a talented player but says things have not worked out for the 21-year-old academy graduate at Old Trafford. "You can understand and you can see he's a really talented boy, and sometimes things don't work out, " said Amorim during United's tour of the USA for the Premier League Summer Series.
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"You cannot explain specifically what it is. But I have the feeling, I think it's clear that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership, and I can understand that. So I think it's not a problem. "Sometimes you adapt to one guy, you have the connection. Other times, you want a new challenge, so we try to make everything OK to all the parts. To the club, to the coach and to the players. It's a natural thing in football. " Amorim also revealed that sales this summer are important because he wants a smaller squad this season, given United are not in Europe and will only fight on three fronts. "I'm really happy with the team, " said Amorim. "Without European competitions, I want a small squad so everyone feels really important. "If you have a lot of players, you have one week to prepare and a lot of players are going to be out, and then in training they will be frustrated and then the quality of the training will drop. " Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Man Utd are expecting offers for midfielder Kobbie Mainoo amid growing interest from home and in Europe. The 20-year-old is understood to be open to leaving, but has not transmitted that stance to the club yet. Mainoo was an unused substitute in United's opening two Premier League games. United are happy with Mainoo and are not actively looking to let him go - and at this stage, they are very unlikely to consider a loan. Napoli will hold more talks with United as they look to finalise a deal for striker Rasmus Hojlund. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Two other clubs - one from England and one from Germany - made late enquiries for Hojlund. But he wants to go to Napoli. He is ready to travel to Naples once the clubs can agree on the move. United will do a deal, but on their terms. Both United and Hojlund want a guaranteed permanent element included in any deal. Napoli's initial proposal was a loan with an option - the option would become mandatory depending on certain conditions being met based on appearances, goals and Champions League qualification. Discussions between Real Betis and United over Antony have been described as positive and there is a cautious optimism a deal will finally be struck. After spending the entire window trying to do a straight loan, Betis are working on a deal that will have a mandatory element attached, be that an initial loan or a straight permanent deal. United have made it clear from the outset that they will not accept another loan move. There is a strong will from all parties to strike a deal before Deadline Day. Winger Jadon Sancho is exploring his options. A number of clubs are interested in the 25-year-old. Roma are desperate to sign him, but, as it stands, he doesn't want to go to the Serie A side. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player United's preference is a permanent deal. However, with just five days to go, another loan cannot be ruled out. Sancho has entered the final year of his contract - United have the option to extend for a further 12 months. Interest from clubs in Europe is growing in United defender Tyrell Malacia. At this stage, a loan move is the most likely outcome. Malacia has entered the final year of his contract. Mainoo, meanwhile, is not a Chelsea target. The Blues asked about him in January but they have since moved on. Fermin Lopez is a player who has been on Chelsea's radar for a long time and they are prepared to make a move if they were to receive any encouragement from Barcelona or the attacking midfielder. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson will only be allowed to leave Chelsea in a permanent move or a loan plus an obligation to buy. Bayern Munich and Aston Villa want Jackson and there are expected to be more developments when Alexander Isak's future at Newcastle United is resolved. Juventus have registered their interest in Jackson, but they are currently pressing ahead with trying to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain instead. This season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live. And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games are on Sky Sports. Super 6 are starting the season by guaranteeing a £1, 000, 000 winner! Play for free.
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