Ten Hag crazy about sneaky €100m Man Utd transfer that’ll deliver dagger to Chelsea with No 7 shirt reserved for star

Joao Felix of Chelsea

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up the most underhand of summer transfers after enquiring about the possibility of bringing a Chelsea darling to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are upwardly-mobile under Dutchman Erik ten Hag, and already have the Carabao Cup in the bag. They will also have high hopes of adding to that trophy haul with the club also through to the FA Cup semi-finals and the Europa League quarter-finals.

Furthermore, they are also sitting third in the Premier League and look well placed to secure their main priority for next season: a return to the Champions League.

That will give United manager Erik ten Hag even greater funds at his disposal this summer.

To that end, the Red Devils are focusing on three major additions this summer. Ten Hag wants a new front line striker to lead the line, a new midfielder to partner Casemiro, and another defender, who can cover a couple of positions.

With regards the midfielder, a report on Thursday morning claims Ten Hag is leading the charge to sign a midfield beast.

And as far as a defender is concerned, the club are seemingly focusing on Monaco and France man, Axel Disasi.

The addition of a new attacker though is what is dominating the most column inches.

The likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Goncalo Ramos are frequently linked.

However, reports on Thursday afternoon claim Ten Hag could be ready to go left-field in his search.

And with the offering of Champions League football on the horizon, they have seemingly gained a key advantage over Chelsea in the hunt for a target.

Man Utd looking to pip Chelsea to Joao Felix

According to journalist Sergio Picos, United are looking to beat the Blues to the signing of Joao Felix.

The Portuguese star has overcome a troublesome start to his loan at the club – having been shown a red card on debut – to become a genuine force for Chelsea.

Indeed, he has two goals in nine appearances for the club – but has been getting better with each passing game.

As a result, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is already making plans to turn his loan into a permanent deal.

To that end, the Blues are already in talks with Atletico Madrid over the transfer. And despite having no future at the Rojoblancos, Atlei are still demanding a fee of around £87.4m (€100m).

However, Picos now claims Manchester United are looking to hijack the deal with Ten Hag a massive fan.

Speaking to AS, he claims United are also willing to give Felix the No 7 shirt, previously worn by compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Manchester United has always been that club that has been there to watch, that has asked about him,” he said of Felix.

“Since the departure of Cristiano you don’t have a big name up front either. That number 7 that Cristiano Ronaldo wore at Manchester United might not be a bad fit for the Portuguese.”

Felix would be a surprise signing for Man Utd

Were United to beat Chelsea to the signing of Felix it would come as a major blow for the Blues. It would also come as huge surprise given Ten Hag’s apparent desire to sign an out-and-out No 9.

Felix, who is more of a No 10, is certainly not that player. Nor is he anywhere near as prolific as the likes of Kane or Osimhen, who would also command that sort of fee.

Indeed, were they to pursue Felix, it would cast serious doubts over their abilities to also sign another forward. Of course, there is the possibility of signing both. But then how would that deal affect their ability to sign, say, a top-class midfielder as well.

Therefore, and despite Picos’ claims, it does not look likely United will pursue Felix as an option.

The player also seems extremely content at Chelsea, where he seems to have found a new home for himself. Amid the uncertainty around his Atletico future, the last thing Felix needs is a move to another new environment. Indeed, what he needs is a period of calm and to play at a club where he’s settled and appreciated.

For that reason, a permanent switch to Stamford Bridge looks a likely outcome.