Chelsea gunning for two Man Utd targets and could swap winger to do what Ten Hag couldn’t

Chelsea want to sign two Man Utd transfer targets and reports have revealed a pair of current stars are giving Graham Potter’s side big boosts on both fronts.

The Blues and Red Devils may yet do direct business come January in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon’s return to Old Trafford has gone sour and today’s Transfer Gossip detailed what Ronaldo must do to save his skin.

Should the 37-year-old fail his test, Chelsea part-owner, Todd Boehly, hopes to strike.

Elsewhere, Manchester United and Chelsea could be involved in another two pieces of transfer business, though not directly.

Fresh reports out of Italy claim the Blues are sizing up two United transfer targets – Denzel Dumfries and Adrien Rabiot. What’s more, it’s been revealed why they’re likelier to succeed than United were and are on both fronts.

Firstly, Rabiot emerged as a key midfield target for United last summer. When their Frenkie de Jong chase fell away, Juventus’ classy Frenchman came into focus.

However, Rabiot’s mother who also doubles up as his agent, Veronique, reportedly priced her son out of a move.

Indeed, the Rabiots were reportedly seeking a net salary of around £113,000-a-week. Manchester United deemed that ‘excessive’ and duly let Juventus know the deal was off.

Casemiro was quickly snapped up instead and given his recent displays, few can argue that wasn’t good business despite the initial £60m price tag.

However, per CalcioMercatoWeb, Chelsea hope to succeed where Man Utd failed regarding Rabiot.

Ziyech could pave way for Rabiot deal

The 27-year-old has returned to form this season and has notched four goals from central midfield in just 10 matches.

His contract is due to expire next summer, meaning January represents Juve’s last chance to cash in.

The Italian outlet state Newcastle are also interested in signing Rabiot along with Chelsea. However, it’s the Blues who have the upper hand.

That’s because they have a player Juventus may want who is barely getting a kick under Potter – Hakim Ziyech.

The idea of sending Ziyech on a six-month loan that includes an option to buy in the summer would reportedly appeal to Juventus.

The Turin club have Angel Di Maria filling a similar role to Ziyech at present, though the Argentine is out of contract next summer.

In return for landing Ziyech, Juventus would then sell Rabiot to Chelsea in the same window for a fee of between £6m-£7m.

CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs recently claimed midfield will be the primary focus for Chelsea in the coming windows. Both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho will become free agents next summer and are the wrong side of 30.

Chelsea want Man Utd target Dumfries

Aside from Rabiot, Chelsea also have another Man Utd-linked star in mind – Denzel Dumfries.

Erik ten Hag is known to be on the hunt for an attacking upgrade at right-back. Diogo Dalot has done little wrong, meaning Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be the fall guy if a new face arrives.

Wan-Bissaka could reportedly become a target for West Ham once again after the Hammers saw a deadline day swoop fall flat.

In regards to who Ten Hag wants, two names have been mentioned – Jeremie Frimpong and Denzel Dumfries. However, Calciomercato report Chelsea could scupper those plans too.

Dumfries’ five goals and seven assists from wing-back last season have caught the eye. Aside from Man Utd, Chelsea are now ‘very attentive’ to his future and would likely make a move next summer if they act on their interest.

Aiding Chelsea’s cause is Romelu Lukaku who Inter reportedly want to extend his loan stay by another 12 months.

If Chelsea give the green light to that idea, it’s suggested they could ask for a favour on Dumfries in return.

If the Dutchman were signed, he’d likely compete with Reece James at either right-back or right wing-back.

At present, Potter’s only back-up options in the position are Ruben Loftus-Cheek who is primarily a midfielder, and Cesar Azpilicueta who is 33.

READ MORE: Man Utd told two signings should’ve stayed away one more year, as Arsenal rejection comes to light