Man Utd 'in talks for Chelsea and Aston Villa swap deals' as INEOS use transfer tricks

Manchester United have reportedly explored swap deals that could see Ruben Amorim finally land a centre-forward. Chelsea and Aston Villa are said to have been contacted over a potential move that would involve Alejandro Garnacho leaving Old Trafford.

Garnacho is among a small group of players, alongside Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, who United are keen to sell. The winger is not part of the Red Devils' tour of the USA and is training alone. Chelsea and Villa have previously been linked with the Argentina international, who is viewed as having no future at Old Trafford. United have reportedly made contact with both of their Premier League rivals over a possible agreement.

According to the Independent, United have asked the clubs about swap deals involving Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. The Red Devils are interested in both players as part of their plans to sign a new striker.

INEOS and other members of United's hierarchy are reportedly attempting to be innovative in the transfer market due to pressure over the club's PSR situation. Around £130million has been spent on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but more signings are needed if Amorim's squad is going to get the surgery it requires after a dreadful season.

One issue with a deal involving Chelsea and Jackson is that the Blues reportedly value the forward at around £80m. It is said that they would only be willing to pay £30m for Garnacho.

United need a new centre-forward after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee floundered in the Premier League. Watkins is reportedly viewed as a safe option, having scored regularly in England's top tier.

Meanwhile, Amorim is determined to only sign players who buy into his philosophy immediately. Those who have been exiled, including Garnacho, are players who have not fitted into the Portuguese coach's system.

Amorim told United's website: "They have to want to come here. I think what we can do to the fans is that we want players who have proved [themselves] already. Sometimes you have a player with a lot of potential, you have to be aware of that, but all the players that are coming, we need to know the player. We need to talk to the player, we have to explain the project.

"And then one really important thing is that they want to come here. That is the key point. If during the market we can find someone that can help the team and have all that boxes with them, we are going to do it. If not, we cannot do it because it's an important time in our club."