Chelsea
Chelsea Lining-Up £20m Bid But Target ‘Keen’ On Man Utd Move
Chelsea are lining-up a £20m bid for Seamus Coleman but face a fight to lure him to Stamford Bridge with the right-back seemingly keen on a switch to Man Utd
The summer transfer window may be closed but managers are already thinking ahead to future transfer windows so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Chelsea and Man Utd are linked with Seamus Coleman.
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Chelsea are lining-up a £20m bid for Everton ace Seamus Coleman but face a fight to lure him to Stamford Bridge with the right-back seemingly keen on a switch to Manchester United, according to reports.
Coleman has established himself as one of the best full-backs in Europe in recent seasons and was named in the PFA Team of the Year last season after an excellent campaign with the Toffees.
His form has understandably attracted interest from a whole host of top clubs and the Express are reporting that Chelsea are ready to make their interest formal by testing Everton’s resolve with a £20m bid next summer.
The newspaper claims that Chelsea scout Mick Doherty – who recommended Coleman to David Moyes when he moved to Goodison Park back in 2009 – has played a key role in convincing Jose Mourinho the Republic of Ireland full-back has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Branislav Ivanovic turns 31 in February so Mourinho is understood to be on the look-out for a long-term replacement for the Serbian and Coleman would certainly be an excellent addition at Stamford Bridge.
However, the West Londoners will face some stiff competition as it’s reported that Manchester United are also keen on the 25-year-old and Coleman is believed to favour a move to Old Trafford as he grew up a United supporter.
Louis van Gaal spent over £150m in the summer but is still extremely short of options at the back due to a spate of injuries, so it would be no surprise if the Dutchman looked to add to his options next summer.
While a new centre-back is of primary importance, the right-back position could also be an area United look to strengthen due to concerns over Rafael’s ability to play the attack-minded role van Gaal is looking for from his full-backs and Coleman is one of the most adventurous defenders around.
It remains to be seen whether Everton would be willing to do business at £20m but with the player under contract until 2019, the Merseysiders are under no pressure to cash-in, so unless Coleman is willing to force a move, the likes of Chelsea and United may have to dig a little deeper.
