Chelsea considering Harry Maguire if Wesley Fofana deal falls through

Chelsea expressed an interest in signing Harry Maguire as part of a swap deal after Manchester United inquired about Christian Pulisic, though it is understood the Old Trafford club’s captain is not for sale.

Chelsea are seeking defensive reinforcements after Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger left on free transfers in the wake of Roman Abramovich’s forced sale of the club. Their principal target is Wesley Fofana, but two bids have been rebuffed.

While Leicester are braced for an improved £80m bid for the 22-year-old, who as expected was dropped for Saturday’s game against Southampton, they are reluctant to part with the Frenchman.

Should the move for Fofana fall through, Chelsea may go back to United. Maguire was widely criticised last season as his team struggled to sixth place and the new campaign has started with successive defeats to leave his side bottom of the table. But he was confirmed as captain by Erik ten Hag in July and Chelsea would surely be further frustrated should they make a new approach.