Manchester United are reportedly weighing-up a sensational move for Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic in the January transfer window.
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new attacker after terminating Cristiano Ronaldo's contract by mutual consent earlier this month. The Portugal international, 37, left Old Trafford after launching an attack on the club in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo's exit has left a big gap in United's squad and it's believed Pulisic, 24, has been identified as a potential replacement for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Pulisic is representing the United States at the World Cup and played against England on Friday.
As reported by ESPN, United are interested in signing Pulisic on loan in January. It's claimed Chelsea are willing to allow the former Borussia Dortmund talent to leave Stamford Bridge after failing to set the Premier League alight during the last three-and-a-half years.
Chelsea paid Dortmund £58million for Pulisic's services in January 2019, with the move going through six months later. The American scored 13 goals and provided 18 assists in 90 Bundesliga games and helped Dortmund win the DFB-Pokal in May 2017.
Pulisic was expected to kick on after his switch to Chelsea and has done OK, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists in 87 Premier League games. He's also won three trophies at Stamford Bridge - the Champions League, European Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Do you think Chelsea will allow Christian Pulisic to join a top-four rival? Let us know in the comments below!
Yet Pulisic has struggled to establish himself as Chelsea's talisman and fill the void left by Eden Hazard. He's started just three Premier League games this season, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz often preferred by Graham Potter.
It's claimed United will not make a 'substantial move' in January, which suggests a permanent transfer may not be on the cards. The Red Devils have been linked with PSV superstar Cody Gakpo, who's scored twice for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Yet Ronaldo still needs to be replaced. Pulisic has reportedly been identified as the perfect replacement due to his versatility, as the American can play anywhere across the front line. That's important due to United's injury problems this season.
Anthony Martial has battled injuries throughout the campaign, while Jadon Sancho missed the final few fixtures before the World Cup. That's forced Erik ten Hag to depend on youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who scored the winner against Fulham earlier this month.
United are long-term admirers of Pulisic. They were interested in signing him in the previous summer transfer window and battled Chelsea for his signature in January 2019. The USA international has 19 months remaining on his existing deal.
Newcastle and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing Pulisic, although it's unclear whether Chelsea would allow the player to join one of their top-four rivals and hamper their hopes. A move abroad could be a more realistic option for Pulisic.
