Ben Chilwell is facing a very frustrating time at Chelsea as he has been axed from the first team squad, but a move before Friday’s transfer deadline now looks unlikely.
The left-back is one of a number of first team players who have been banished from first team training and have been labelled the ‘bomb squad’ as the club looks to move them on as soon as possible.
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah, Djordje Petrovic and Carney Chukwuemeka are all part of the outcast group at Stamford Bridge, while Conor Gallagher has managed to secure an exit by signing for Atletico Madrid.
Chilwell may not be so lucky, with interest in the England international lacking as the clock ticks down to the transfer window slamming shut on Friday.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but the Daily Mail report that they are no longer pursuing a deal.
The former Leicester man is on a contract until 2027 which is worth around £200,000-a-week, meaning there are few clubs that will match his current earnings.
The full-back also has a notable history of injury problems which will put off potentially interested parties, making just 13 Premier League appearances last season for the Blues due to hamstring and knee issues.
If a solution is not found by 11pm on Friday 30 August, then Chilwell faces the prospect of training away from the first team and not playing at all until he may be able to secure a move in the January transfer window.
Clearly that is not a great situation for any of the parties involved, but time is short and suitors are not aplenty for the man who cost Chelsea £50m in 2021.
Sterling is also looking for a move away, with Manchester United a possible option for the England international, but a deal is complicated.
There is the potential for a blockbuster double deal that would see Jadon Sancho move to Stamford Bridge and Sterling go to Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes it could be a good move for all involved, saying on his YouTube channel: ‘If Sancho goes to Chelsea, I think it would work for both players. I think Sterling would be a good addition if he did come. You wonder what this would mean for Antony? I think he’d become fifth choice for United.
‘Amad has been playing recently and he may be looking over his shoulder and could be thinking “please don’t come” but competition for places is good. Raheem is someone that certainly has something to prove.’
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