Man United consider move for former Chelsea star

Manchester United will be hoping to get 2024 off to a good start when they face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup third round on Monday. 

The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest at The City Ground last time out – their ninth Premier League defeat of the season – leaving Erik ten Hag’s side seventh in the top flight table.

With the January transfer window now open, United are assessing possible transfer targets and a former Chelsea forward is being considered.

According to The Athletic, the Manchester outfit have approached German side RB Leipzig to enquire about the availability of Timo Werner.

The Germany international joined Chelsea from Leipzig back in 2020 after an impressive run of form for the German side.

During his time in London, Werner scored 23 goals and provided 21 assists in 89 matches across all competitions, as well as winning three trophies including the Champions League in 2021.

Werner is a target for Manchester United

He fell out of favour following Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club in the summer of 2022, though, as the Blues signed a number of other forwards.

Werner was therefore allowed to return to Leipzig, but he has so far failed to recreate the form that he displayed during his first spell with the club.

Last season the German netted 16 times in 40 games, but so far this season a combination of injury and inferior form to his teammates has seen him start just two Bundesliga games.

United are therefore optimistic that the player could be available, and have enquired about the potential cost of signing the 27-year-old.

The Red Devils have struggled in front of goal so far this season and Rasmus Hojlund – a £75 million signing from Atalanta over the summer – has scored just one Premier League goal so far.

The likes of AnthonyMartial and Marcus Rashford have also struggled in front of goal, and it appears that those in charge of the club’s recruitment are therefore looking for attacking reinforcements.