Chelsea have entered negotiations with Brighton over a move for Danny Welbeck, the veteran striker who was previously blocked from rejoining Manchester United by the club's hierarchy.
According to reports, Welbeck is keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge, where he would link up with manager Xabi Alonso. The 35-year-old former England international enjoyed a career-best Premier League season last term, netting 13 goals.
Ten Hag's attempt blocked
Welbeck could have returned to Old Trafford two years ago, with then-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pushing to re-sign him as a replacement for Anthony Martial. Ten Hag had witnessed Welbeck's quality first-hand, having seen him torment United in his debut match in charge.
However, according to The Athletic, United discussed signing Welbeck following Ten Hag's recommendation but ultimately decided against making an offer during a summer of significant upheaval above the Dutchman, whose own future was uncertain at one stage.
Welbeck's response
Welbeck addressed the speculation in an interview with The Times shortly after. "It's speculation and there's always that link for me because I've been at the club," he explained. "As I said, I'm just focusing on what I can control myself and all the other stuff is pretty irrelevant."
Instead of signing Welbeck, United opted to invest in younger talent, bringing in Benjamin Sesko at the age of 22 last summer. The club have been linked with an experienced striker this summer but have yet to make a signing, with Michael Carrick's three additions so far being a goalkeeper and two midfielders.
Gary Neville's view
United legend Gary Neville has previously stated that Welbeck should never have been allowed to leave Old Trafford in the first place, after Louis van Gaal sold him to Arsenal for £16 million in 2014. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said: "Danny Welbeck, to be fair, should never have been let go at United. If you've got a squad of 24, 23, and you want to keep five or six strikers, he's got to be one of those. You've got to keep him."
