Transfer News

‘True’: Manchester United almost signed two players who are now reportedly very close to joining Chelsea

Add as preferred source on Google

Journalist Christian Falk has claimed on Twitter that he has been told by Ralf Rangnick that he tried to sign Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol for Manchester United.

The pair are heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.

Nkunku in particular was highly sought after in the summer. Blues owner Todd Boehly was keen to make him one of the club’s summer signings.

RB Leipzig v 1. FC Köln - Bundesliga
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

They failed in their attempts this summer, although it has now emerged that the club held a secret medical for the player as they try to get a head start in signing him next year.

Gvardiol meanwhile was also not shy of attention from Europe’s top clubs.

The Blues were just one of a number of clubs interested in his services, although they were the ones who came closest to signing him following a late deadline day move.

Nkunku and Gvardiol wanted at United

Again the deal fell through, but plenty of reports have indicated the club will be back for the 20-year-old in a future window.

Falk has claimed that Rangnick informed him that the pair are two of the players he wanted to sign during his short stint at United, amongst a number of big names.

Austria v Croatia: UEFA Nations League - League Path Group 1
Photo by Guenther Iby/SEPA.Media /Getty Images

He said: “TRUE: Ralf Rangnick told me: He tried to get for Manchester United: Morata, Dusan Vlahovic, Christopher Nkunku, Josko Gvardiol, Luis Diaz & Erling Haaland. But the Club refused Winter-Transfers.”

With the current Austria manager’s ties to RB Leipzig, it is entirely believable that he will have known better than most of the ability the pair have, as well as the bright futures they are set for.

United’s loss is set to be Chelsea’s gain though. While they are certainly looking stronger than before at Old Trafford, the side will have been taken up a level by the addition of either young star.