Man Utd face costly transfer blow as Alejandro Garnacho saga takes another twist

Chelsea are not prepared to meet Manchester United's valuation for Alejandro Garnacho, it has been claimed. United have been after £50million for the winger - down on their asking price from January - but front-runners Chelsea aren't prepared to go that high.

Garnacho has been on the lookout for a United exit since head coach Ruben Amorim dropped him to the bench for the Europa League final in May. He was left out of Amorim's pre-season tour squad, but - while fellow 'bomb squad' member Marcus Rashford has sealed a loan move away - the Argentine is still at Old Trafford for now.

According to The Mail, Chelsea's valuation sits between £25m and £35m. The Blues are believed to have agreed terms with the player, who has reportedly turned down interest from elsewhere - something which could be to Chelsea's benefit in negotiations with United.

United have attempted to justify their valuation by pointing to Chelsea's sale of Noni Madueke, according to The Times. Madueke, who scored seven goals to Garnacho's six across comparable league minutes last term, joined Arsenal for £48m plus add-ons in July.

In the meantime, Chelsea are close to sealing an exit of their own. Roma are reportedly close to a deal for Tyrique George, who broke through during last season's Conference League run but has dropped below new signings Estevao and Jamie Gittens in the pecking order.

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Garnacho isn't the only United player who the club are keen to offload before Monday's Premier League transfer deadline. Rasmus Hojlund looks set for Napoli, having missed out on a spot in Amorim's squad for the first two games of the new season.

Antony's move to Real Betis remains possible, though the terms of a deal have yet to be ironed out. Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are also surplus to requirements, but finding a buyer for either player has proved tricky.

United are due to take on Grimsby in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, with a first win of the season their target. After losing at home to Arsenal on the opening weekend, an Emile Smith Rowe equaliser denied Amorim's side victory at Fulham.

“Yes. Yes, we have three games this week, we have quality players, and we need to do rotation to try to win every game,” Amorim said when asked if he would rotate for the cup tie.

He also indicated Hojlund could be in contention to feature despite continued speculation over the striker's future, adding: “All the players are available. Then we will make the choice to get the best starting XI to win every game.”

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