Man Utd 'target surprise Chelsea transfer' as Mason Greenwood 'involved in talks'

Manchester United have shortlisted Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell as a surprise option to provide Luke Shaw with competition next season, according to reports. And it's claimed that Mason Greenwood visited Carrington on Monday to briefly participate in the transfer talks between United's new recruitment team.

Andre Onana and Marcus Rashford were among the non-international players who reported to the club's training complex for the start of pre-season.

Erik ten Hag's two incoming coaches, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake, were also said to be present on what strongly felt like the first day of INEOS-run operations.

While those players not involved at Euro 2024 and the Copa America started their pre-season regime, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new-look sporting structure got to work in the meeting room.

And, according to the Mail, Chilwell's name has been raised as an option to bolster Ten Hag's left-back department this summer after a nightmare 2023/24 campaign.

The 27-year-old could arrive to cover Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, who played a combined 15 games last term.

He already has a close relationship with United's English contingent, especially Mason Mount, after lifting the Champions League together at Chelsea.

Deals are already said to be lined up for Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, whose moves will accelerate once the Netherlands' Euro 2024 campaign is over.

United's new hierarchy also discussed departure during their first Carrington meeting of the season, and Greenwood was reportedly present.

The Athletic report that the 22-year-old forward was among those who reported to Carrington, where he held constructive dialogue about a summer transfer.

Greenwood didn't train or work with any other United players but is claimed to have held brief talks as the club continues to work on a departure.

Ligue 1 club Marseille are believed to be the frontrunners for Greenwood's signature, but Lazio join them as the two clubs to have submitted concrete offers.

Valencia also tabled a bid for the former Red Devils No. 11, but it was deemed too low, and the La Liga outfit have since fallen behind.

Greenwood is almost certain to leave United either on a permanent basis or on a loan with an obligation to buy this summer.

He spent last season on loan at Getafe, registering 10 goals and six assists in 36 appearances for the Spanish side.

Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Napoli are among the other European heavyweights to have been mooted as suitors.