Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea offer Willian to Man Utd as Solskjaer struggles to sign transfer targets
Chelsea have offered Manchester United the chance to sign Willian as the Red Devils look to bolster their attacking options this summer.
Chelsea: Willian told Lampard he’s not staying at club says pundit
Willian has reportedly been offered to Manchester United as the winger comes to the end of his contract with Chelsea. The Brazilian is a free agent this summer and has been touted as a potential signing for United with Ole Gunnar Solskjae looking to strengthen his side's attack.
Chelsea were initially keen to keep hold of Willian beyond the end of the campaign, tabling a two-year extension earlier in the season.
However, the 31-year-old declined the offer because he wanted an extra 12 months on the deal as well as a pay rise.
LATEST LIVE SPORT TV DEALS
Get Sky Sports for just £25 per month for 3 months
Willian has subsequently been linked with moves to Tottenham and Arsenal, while now it appears that the veteran has also been offered to United.
The Daily Mail claim the Red Devils have the chance to sign Willian for free as they look to bolster their wide options.
JUST IN: Sports quiz questions and answers: 15 questions for your virtual pub quiz
Jadon Sancho is Solskjaer's No 1 target, but the Borussia Dortmund ace is valued at £100million.
Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish is also on the club's wishlist but could cost as much as £70m, making a move for Willian all the more appealing.
However, the latest report suggests United will pass on the opportunity to sign the Chelsea ace as he does not fit the profile of players they wish to sign.
Solskjaer is looking for young, homegrown players to help fire the Old Trafford club back up to the summit of the Premier League.
DON'T MISS
How Chelsea could raise £180m through player sales to fund Sancho and Chilwell transfers
The four players Chelsea could sign for under £30m each to get the jump on transfer rivals
How Chelsea could line up after transfer window and beat Liverpool to title
And with Willian entering the twilight of his career, he would not provide the long-term solution United need.
It remains to be seen whether Willian will even complete the current campaign at Stamford Bridge due to his contract status.
The player's current deal expires at the end of the month and the deadline for a short-term extension is today.
Willian has won an impressive haul of silverware since joining Chelsea in 2013, including two Premier League titles.
FA Cup and Europa League victories were also secured during his time at the club, with Willian racking up 59 goals in 330 appearances across all competitions.
Frank Lampard is keen for Chelsea to see out the season with the same players who started the campaign, but is aware that Willian and fellow winger Pedro may be unwilling to jeopardise any future move by picking up an injury.
Speaking earlier in the season, he said: “I would have sympathy with the player to make the decision they need.
“If we try to extend the players then we want them to stay, we have conversations going on. We want to finish the season with the players we started with.”
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here