Man United sporting director Dan Ashworth “enthusiastic” about potential signing of Raheem Sterling | OneFootball

Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is reportedly excited about the prospect of the club completing the signing of Raheem Sterling this summer.

Sterling has emerged as a target for United after being made surplus to requirements at Chelsea.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has made it clear that the winger is not in his plans and at the moment, it appears that a Stamford Bridge exit is the most likely outcome.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Sterling will only press ahead with a switch to United once his contractual situation with the Blues is resolved. He of course has three years left on his £325,000-a-week salary and clarity is needed as he stands to lose millions of pounds.

A swap deal that would see Sterling join United with Jadon Sancho going the other way has been mooted. David Ornstein confirmed that Sancho – whose future at Old Trafford is also uncertain – is likely to get a move before deadline day and Chelsea is seen as a possible destination for him.

It’s understood that talks between the two Premier League clubs are underway, with Ashworth spearheading United’s efforts to try and reach an agreement.

According to The Times, Ashworth would like to see Sterling added to Ten Hag’s ranks.

The newspaper reveals, “Discussions over Sterling and Sancho are at an early stage, but it is understood the deal is contingent on both players agreeing to move in the opposite direction.”

“The Times understands that Sterling, who supported United growing up, is keen on a move to Old Trafford. Discussions have been held among the club’s hierarchy about Sterling over the past few days after it emerged that he was surplus to requirements at Chelsea and Dan Ashworth, the newly-appointed United sporting director, is particularly enthusiastic about a deal.”

“There are multiple obstacles that both clubs are yet to negotiate, and swap deals are sometimes difficult to arrange due to complications over wages and agents’ fees. If both players agree to switch, each transfer is likely to be recorded as a separate deal.”

It remains unclear whether Ten Hag is open to United signing Sterling.

However, in the event that the Dutchman opposes the recruitment of the former Manchester City man, there is a real possibility that he will be overruled, especially if Ashworth wants the transfer to get over the line.

The Muppetiers – a relatively reliable source on United news – gave evidence of a recent transfer situation in which the club overruled Ten Hag.

The Muppetiers noted that Ten Hag was not entirely supportive of the club’s decision to sell McTominay in favour of replacing him with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. Despite this, United proceeded with their pursuit of Ugarte in addition to sanctioning McTominay’s exit.

On Tuesday morning, it emerged that the Reds struck a deal with PSG for Ugarte. Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that a total agreement had been reached with Napoli for McTominay to sign for the Partenopei.

It’s not entirely out of the question that the same scenario could happen again, this time involving Sterling. The situation is certainly one for fans to keep a close eye on with just a few days left until the close of the window.

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