Chelsea have emerged as shock candidates for Manchester United central defender Harry Maguire.

The Blues are looking to find a replacement for long-term absentee Wesley Fofana who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments in pre-season training earlier this week.

Harry Maguire set for Stamford Bridge switch?

Erik Ten Hag has reportedly informed Maguire he would be happy to let the 30-year-old leave the club after stripping the England international of the captain’s armband recently in favor of Bruno Fernandes.

Maguire has featured sporadically since Ten Hag took over at Old Trafford last summer, making only eight Premier League starts since the Dutchman arrived in Manchester. According to 90min writer Graeme Bailey, the Blues’ scouting department has cited United’s number five as one of the best options on the market and are confident they can strike up a deal to sign the former Leicester man either on a permanent deal or on a season-long loan.

Maguire is also reportedly attracting interest from West Ham, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Inter Milan but a potential move to West London could be his most realistic option this summer with Mauricio Pochettino set to be in the market after allowing Kalidou Koulibaly and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta to leave already this summer.