Mourinho Eyes Raid On Chelsea As Man Utd Plot Move For Defender

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Man Utd are linked with a raid on Chelsea….

Jose Mourinho is eyeing a raid on former club Chelsea with the new Manchester United manager hoping to lure Cesar Azpilicueta to Old Trafford this summer, according to the Mirror.

Mourinho was installed as the new United boss last month and he’s expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer overhauling the squad left behind by Louis van Gaal as he looks to build a side capable of challenging for the title next season.

Defence looks to be a particular area of concern as the Portuguese coach has already splashed out on Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly and it appears Mourinho is now also hoping to strengthen the full-back positions.

That’s because the Mirror are reporting today that the so-called ‘Special One’ is lining up a raid on former club Chelsea and has supposedly got his eye on versatile full-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Spanish international was one of the most consistent performers during Mourinho’s second stint at Stamford Bridge and with Matteo Darmian’s future at United unclear, it seems Azpilicueta is being lined-up as a potential replacement.

The 26-year-old is predominantly a right-back but is also more than comfortable playing on the left side of defence so he’d give Mourinho plenty of options at the back if United did manage to secure a deal this summer.

Azpilicueta has played at left-back in recent years at Chelsea and the Mirror claim that incoming boss Antonio Conte is hoping to sign Juventus full-backs Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner this summer, putting the Spaniard’s position in doubt.

Branislav Ivanovic has made the right-back spot his own and only recently signed a new deal with the West Londoners so it appears Azpilicueta could be out in the cold at Chelsea next season if Conte is successful with his transfer plans, opening the door to a potential reunion with Mourinho at United.

However, any deal is still highly unlikely as I’m sure Chelsea would be extremely reluctant to do business with their former coach as it would sent the wrong message to the supporters, as well as strengthening a direct rival.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

The newspaper also says that PSG and Athletic Bilbao are showing a keen interest in signing Azpilicueta so no doubt the Blues would much rather do business with a European club rather than someone like United if they do end up selling the defender.