Man Utd learn Christopher Nkunku decision after late interest | OneFootball

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has decided to stay at Stamford Bridge, turning down transfer interest from Manchester United, according to multiple reports.

Nkunku has been relegated to Chelsea's de-facto B team this season, starting just three Premier League matches while regularly lining up - and scoring - in various cup competitions.

There had been talk of Nkunku moving to Manchester United earlier this year as part of an ambitious swap deal which would have taken Alejandro Garnacho to west London. Bayern Munich were also interested, but United reignited their bid to snap up the Frenchman in the final hours of the window.

Desperate to secure an attacking replacement following the departure of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, United made a loan offer for Nkunku on Sunday, according to The Athletic. Chelsea and the player both delivered firm rejections.

As Fabrizio Romano outlined, Nkunku was only ever interested in a permanent exit during this window. Chelsea valued the 27-year-old at between £65-70m while neither United nor Bayern were ever willing to go above £40m.

That Rashford's exit is a temporary measure - as the player himself was at pains to point out, "it is only short-term" - rather than a permanent move with a fee, United's financial scope has been limited.

The Red Devils were also interested in Bayern forward Mathys Tel, although the Frenchman appears to have plumped for Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea will almost certainly hold onto Nkunku for the remainder of the season, but are in advanced negotiations with AC Milan regarding Joao Felix's impending exit.