Talks held: Ashworth ‘particularly enthusiastic’ about signing EPL star for Man Utd before deadline, ace keen on move

Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is particularly enthusiastic about a deal for Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling.

The England international is also keen on a move to Old Trafford, according to The Times.

The Red Devils have held talks with the Blues over a possible swap deal involving Sterling and Jadon Sancho, and the Stamford Bridge club have also offered Ben Chilwell to them.

While Man United are not interested in the left-back, a move for Sterling appeals to their decision-makers, with Ashworth looking to get a deal done before the transfer deadline on Friday.

Talks over the swap deal have been held, but they are at an early stage, and the deal is contingent on both players agreeing to move in the opposite direction.

While the 29-year-old Blues forward wants to move, it has not been ascertained whether Sancho is open to joining Chelsea.

There are multiple obstacles for both clubs to negotiate, with the wages of both players likely to be a key issue.

Agreeing agents’ fees could complicate matters, and there may not be plenty of time left in the window to thrash out details of the deals with every party involved.

Sterling has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups, grabbing 123 goals and 62 assists in 379 top-flight games, but there are doubts over his recent form.

He appears to be past his peak years having lost his place in the national team, but it seems Ashworth is convinced that he has what it takes to improve United’s fortunes.

The Man United sporting director knows one or two things when it comes to identifying the potential impact a player can make and trusting his judgment could do Man United a world of good.