Manchester United to focus on signing Ben Chilwell as Alphonso Davies’ wages too high – report | OneFootball

Manchester United are considering a swoop for Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell amid financial complications surrounding preferred target Alphonso Davies.

After being linked with Real Madrid earlier this year, the club’s decision not to pursue him gave rise to claims that Man United could be his next destination.

Last week, The Peoples Person discussed media reports claiming that United’s interest in Davies is becoming more “concrete”, with a real chance of signing the Bayern Munich star emerging.

While Davies would be an ideal signing to cover for the injured Luke Shaw as a world-class left-back, it appears that United’s pursuit of the Canadian could be hampered by one notable obstacle.

“Manchester United are keen on Alphonso Davies as a potential transfer target, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to afford him, so may turn to Ben Chilwell instead,” CaughtOffside reported this morning.

“Davies is facing an uncertain future at Bayern Munich as the likes of Man Utd, Real Madrid, and Barcelona keep an eye on the Canada international as he edges closer to being a free agent,” the article continued. “United also like Chelsea left-back Chilwell, however, and may turn to him as a more realistic and affordable option due to Davies demanding a contract worth as much as €12m a year, sources close to the situation have informed CaughtOffside.”

United’s perceived interest in Chilwell comes as little surprise, given that reports surfaced regarding the club’s interest in the Chelsea player earlier in the month.

What’s more, it was also claimed that Chelsea had scheduled a transfer meeting set to occur in December, with Chilwell among the players expected to depart the club in January.

This comes as little surprise given that the English left-back has reportedly become frustrated with life at Stamford Bridge, specifically after being limited in playing time by manager Enzo Maresca.

Since then, the injury-prone defender has not made a single appearance for Chelsea, proving how low he has fallen down the pecking order.

While an undoubtedly talented defender, United may want to think twice before settling on Chilwell in Davies’ stead, given his problematic injury record. The left-back played only 21 matches in all competitions last season, among them just 13 Premier League games, due to suffering from a hamstring injury and, later, knee problems. (Transfermarkt)

Despite being a potentially costly signing, Davies may well be worth the heavier investment. The 23 year old has been consistent for Bayern in the Bundesliga this season, with 91% passing while winning 60% of his total duels. What’s more, he has 54% dribbling, showing his ability to push up in support of his wingers while making 1.4 tackles per game and 5.9 ball recoveries. (Sofascore)

United have a crucial decision to make regarding their next left-back purchase. Either the club can fork out extra money to bring in Davies or settle on a cheaper deal with the out-of-favour Chilwell. Given the reported deal to sign new manager Ruben Amorim as well as a busy transfer window this past summer, United may need to think carefully about whether they have the financial capacity to land a rising star such as Davies.