28-yr-old Chelsea star offered to Man Utd but INEOS want his ‘untouchable’ teammate

Manchester United were reportedly offered the chance to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, but they are more interested in his Chelsea teammate Josh Acheampong.

After buying three new midfielders, the Red Devils are determined to find a new left-back before the end of the summer transfer window, while another striker could join if Joshua Zirkzee leaves the club.

Nevertheless, a section of the supporters and pundits firmly believe United should also address the centre-back department.

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During his latest appearance on The United Stand, British football journalist Ben Jacobs delved into MUFC’s transfer business.

Jacobs claims Man Utd could decide to seize late-market opportunities and sign a new central defender before Tuesday’s deadline.

The first name he mentions is Taylor Harwood-Bellis, a 24-year-old Manchester City youth product, who has been a stalwart at the back for Southampton since joining the club in 2023.

Jacobs insists United have internally discussed the Stockport native, who is also a target for Aston Villa and Benfica, and could be available for £30 million.

The transfer market expert adds that Tosin Adarabioyo has been offered to Man Utd as a squad player. The 28-year-old defender has been plying his trade at Stamford Bridge since making a free transfer from Fulham in 2024, but is currently considered surplus to requirements.

Nevertheless, Jacobs believes that Man Utd are more intrigued by Tosin’s young Chelsea teammate, Josh Acheampong.

However, the Blues consider the 20-year-old ‘untouchable’, especially after starting the first Premier League game of the season against Fulham. Hence, the West Londoners will either decide to keep him at Xabi Alonso’s court or loan him out to gain valuable Premier League experience.

Although Man Utd could be genuinely monitoring the centre-back market, most sources believe INEOS will delay any plans for next summer, as they intend to begin the campaign with the same defensive contingent as last season.

However, Harry Maguire is starting his campaign with an expiring contract for the third year running, while Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt must prove they remain fit for the bulk of the season.

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Moreover, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are expected to take their game up a notch in their third campaign at the club.

At the end of the season, Jason Wilcox and the manager will have some assessments to make, but the club could decide to part ways with one or more defenders, opening up spaces for new arrivals.