Chelsea plot shock swoop for £80m United star, he was an absolute monster in the Derby – report

Chelsea have emerged as a shock suitor for Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire – but the Blues are plotting a move which will frustrate INEOS, according to a new report. An Experienced Head Liam Rosenior has a host of talented defenders in his new squad in west London, though it is a notably young backline. It is telling that Reece James, the club’s 26-year-old captain, is one of the most experienced players at Stamford Bridge, despite having not yet entered his own peak. One of the key flashpoints which led to the breakdown in the relationship between Chelsea’s hierarchy and Enzo Maresca, who was sacked on New Year’s Day, was this lack of experience in defence, with the club unwilling to invest money on an older, more battle-hardened option at the Italian’s request. There now appears to be a shift in this approach, however, with Chelsea identifying Maguire as a target to offer a “Thiago Silva-esque figure” in the dressing room, according to Caught Offside. The report quotes a well-placed source who reveals: “Chelsea are surprisingly open to this deal – they know they’re missing an experienced Thiago Silva-like figure at the back. It’s not necessarily the most likely outcome, but don’t rule it out.” INEOS won’t be happy United’s rulers will not be happy with this development, however – not because they fear losing a key player to a rival, but because it will be happening for free. Chelsea are only considering a move for Maguire on a free transfer this summer, with the 32-year-old defender’s contract at Old Trafford set to expire at the end of the season. Caught Offside states it is “highly likely” United will not offer a new deal and that a host of clubs, inside and outside of England, are already angling to secure his signature. West Ham, Everton and Bournemouth are credited with interest, while Italian heavyweights Napoli and AS Roma are also on the hunt. But were Chelsea to throw their hat into the ring, with the prospect of Champions League football and a history of trophies, Maguire would certainly be tempted to choose the Blues over his other suitors. INEOS have demonstrated a propensity for penny-pinching since taking the helm at Old Trafford – and the idea of a United player joining a bitter rival for free will be keeping Sir Jim Ratcliffe up at night in his mansion in Monaco. Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.