Dan Ashworth initiates discussions with Chelsea regarding a trade deal.

According to The Telegraph, Manchester United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth has begun talks with Chelsea about swapping Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho.

The Red Devils have enjoyed an excellent summer transfer window, having already signed Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui. Manuel Ugarte is likely to join the club soon. He has been granted permission to go to England following a transfer agreement between United and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to the Telegraph, Manchester United are considering a swap deal with Chelsea. The Red Devils are interested in signing Sterling and are willing to provide Sancho in exchange. However, the transfer will occur on their own terms.

United intend to sign Sterling with no investment. Ashworth was in talks with Chelsea earlier on Tuesday about a spectacular deal that would see the English duo move in opposing directions before the deadline.

Possible transaction.

Sterling has fallen out of favour with manager Enzo Maresca following pre-season. The Italian boss has openly indicated that the winger does not suit his playing style and should consider leaving Chelsea.

United manager Erik ten Hag has not said publicly about Sancho, but the forward’s absence from recent matchday lineups suggests that he may also be on his way out by Friday evening.

A trade agreement would benefit both clubs, but it may not be simple. Sterling must accept a pay drop from his £300,000 per week wages to transfer to Old Trafford. The same would be true for Sancho and Chelsea.

However, United will believe that Sancho is far more important than Sterling. The Manchester City graduate is about 6 years younger than his compatriot and is only entering the prime of his playing career.

The Red Devils are ready to sell Sancho for £40 million. If the hierarchy swapped him for Sterling, they would still demand a fair transfer fee from Chelsea for their tremendously skilled winger.

This could be a major barrier in negotiating a swap deal. Negotiations are expected to continue in the following hours in order to reach an arrangement that benefits both teams before the transfer deadline.