‘Opened talks’ - Chelsea looking to hijack Man Utd’s move for ‘world class’ striker

Chelsea have “opened talks” with Marcus Thuram, who is also a target for Manchester United, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag’s side have been in the market for a striker since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, with only Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial left available to play the lone striker role.

However, the Old Trafford club’s transfer prospects seem to have been affected by last summer’s £227million transfer spend as well as the Glazer's attempts to sell the club.

One low-cost transfer option for United is Marcus Thuram, who could reportedly leave for as little as £10million this window, with the player’s Borussia Mönchengladbach deal expiring in the summer.

However, they are now facing competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Chelsea ‘open talks’ with Thuram

French publication Foot Mercato claim Chelsea have opened talks with Thuram over the prospect of a January deal.

The Blues are said to be “very keen” on the French striker, who was described by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer as a “world-class striker” and an “exceptional player of the highest class”.

However, it is uncertain whether Thuram is keen on a move.

The 25-year-old, who is the son of France legend Lilian Thuram, has been in exceptional form in the Bundesliga, having netted 10 league goals this term and starred from the bench for Les Bleus in the World Cup.

On Chelsea’s prospective move for the player, Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano added on Twitter: “Understand Chelsea have opened talks to explore January deal for Marcus Thuram.

“The French striker’s on many top clubs list being a free agent in June, Chelsea exploring conditions for Jan.

“Thuram will take his time and consider all the options.”