Who might Chelsea sign after selling Nemanja Matic to Manchester United?

Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers

Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

Manchester United have signed Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic from Premier League champions Chelsea on a three-year contract with an option to extend for a further year, both clubs announced on Monday.

“Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player. He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player,” United said in a statement.

“I would like to thank him for his desire to join us because without that, it would be impossible to have him here. I am sure our players and supporters will love him. A big welcome to our new number 31.”

But Matic’s departure leaves Chelsea with a significant gap in their midfield, with the new Premier League season drawing ever close. Who could they sign to replace him?

Here, we profile the five most likely replacements.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman confirmed that Ross Barkley has asked for a ‘new challenge’ and will ‘100%’ be leaving Everton. Chelsea have identified Barkley as a transfer target in order to boost their homegrown quota and are currently three players short of the Premier League’s minimum homegrown requirements.

Barkley would be a good fit for Chelsea but would have to adapt to a deeper role in Antionio Conte’s 3-4-3 to be a success.

Likeliness 8/10

Marco Verratti has been heavily linked with a move away from PSG but recently gave an interview where he apologised to fans for the exit rumours created by his agent Mino Raiola.

Verratti was frequently names in Conte’s Italian squads and last year told Sky Italia “I believe Conte is the best coach I have ever worked with.” Could the pair be reunited at Chelsea?

Likeliness 7/10

2016 European Championship winner Renato Sanches has been used sparingly in his first season at Bayern Munich and wants to leave for regular football. The German champions are ready to let Sanches depart a year after he joined the club, even if it is on loan.

Chelsea have been interested in the 19 year-old but Sanches has reportedly snubbed the Blues in favour of AC Milan where he can expect more first team opportunities.

Likeliness 6/10

Manchester United hotly pursued a move for Monaco’s defensive midfielder before turning their attention to Matic. Fabinho caught the eyes of Europe’s elite when staring in Monaco’s title winning side but the French club are determined to hold onto the Brazilian.

In a statement Monaco’s vice president made it very clear that Fabinho is an ‘essential player’ and will be staying. Chelsea have already prised away on of Monaco’s central midfielders when they spent £35million on Tiemoue Bakayoko which makes Fabinho an unlikely prospect.

Likeliness 3/10

Tottenham were reluctant to let Manchester United speak to Eric Dier who was reportedly open to a move away from Spurs. Mauricio Pochettino’s refusal to let Dier leave for United makes the Englishman a difficult target for Chelsea who have soured their relationship with the north London club in recent years.

Likeliness 3/10