Jadon Sancho's position at Manchester United remains a hot topic with speculation likely to surge before the transfer window slams shut.
The forward was with the Red Devils' squad against Brighton on Saturday, yet was notably missing from the matchday team, prompting manager Erik ten Hag to clarify his stance to TNT Sports: "He's here. I had a choice to make and we had some issues."
The Dutch tactician emphasized the need for a strong, competitive squad, stating: "We need a full squad and he is one of them. He has to compete for his position and from game to game, we will have a look. In the squad, we need every position double because it's going to be a long season."
Buzz around Sancho's potential departure from Old Trafford persists, with Chelsea emerging as possible suitors, with further reports claiming that a swap deal could bridge any gap in valuations between the two teams.
The intriguing prospect of Chelsea tossing a player into the mix for Sancho is swirling news, as Express Sport take a look at the likely candidates to head in the opposite direction.
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Raheem Sterling
Ousted from Chelsea's main squad and tipped for an exit, a swap deal featuring Sancho and Raheem Sterling would represent a straight swap of talent, infusing fresh dynamism into both teams.
But the wages of both players could pose a stumbling block in any potential transfer. Sterling has yet to feature for Chelsea this season under Enzo Maresca, and his representatives issued a statement last week seeking clarity on his situation.
It appears his future is not at Stamford Bridge, but whether United view him as a suitable swap for Sancho remains to be seen.
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell is another player who hasn't made a matchday squad under Maresca this season. The Italian manager has essentially confirmed that the left-back will be allowed to leave this summer, with Chilwell also training separately from the first team.
United have been linked with Chilwell in the past and the need for a left-back became more pressing earlier in the window due to an injury to Luke Shaw. Diogo Dalot has filled that role for the first two games, with new signing Noussiar Mazraoui starting at right-back.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka, like Sterling and Chilwell, hasn't made a matchday squad for Chelsea this season despite being highly regarded. His future also seems to be away from the club, and he could be one of the players to move in the final days of the window.
The 20-year-old former Aston Villa wonderkid missed most of last season due to a knee injury, making 12 appearances in all competitions and scoring twice.
Maresca let slip last week doubts over the player's future due to a need for consistent playing time. The coach explained: "The problem is, because of some injuries in the past, I think the best for him is to play 30 or 35 games in a row, to show himself that he is fit and how good he is because he is very good. With us, is he going to play 35 games? I'm not sure."
