Chelsea star 'welcomes' Man United transfer as Jarrad Branthwaite deal pathway emerges

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku would, reportedly, entertain an approach from Manchester United should it materialise during the January transfer window.

United are under new guidance with head coach Ruben Amorim formally touching down on Monday. Like all new managers, the Portuguese head coach is expected to be wanting to add his own stamp to the squad, with his first opportunity coming in a couple of months' time.

Their forward line is tipped to be altered by Amorim and, according to Football Insider, they could look to their Premier League rivals to strengthen up top. It's reported that Nkunku is becoming really frustrated by his lack of game-time at Stamford Bridge having been used sparingly since returning from injury.

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The former RB Leipzig man is thought to be open to the prospect of moving to United especially if they were to loan out Joshua Zirkzee in January, as has been suggested in other reports. Nkunku has bagged 10 goals during 17 appearances so far for Chelsea, but only has one in 10 Premier League appearances.

Elsewhere, GiveMeSport reckons that a fresh start in the United dugout has not changed their transfer targets at the club as Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the radar. Erik ten Hag placed two bids for the centre-back in the summer transfer window, but they fell well short of the Toffees' valuation.

Eventually, United signed Leny Yoro and their interest in Branthwaite dampened as Everton placed an £80million price tag on the English defender. However, United are reportedly still keen on the 22-year-old, with their interest described as 'definitely alive'.

Centre-back Harry Maguire is out of contract at the end of the season, as are Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, so defensive additions could be needed in the future.