Under fire Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire has emerged as a shock target for Premier League rivals Chelsea, who are once again looking to strengthen their backline after recently signing Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella.

According to The Mail Chelsea have made a surprise enquiry for Maguire and the Blues would be open to signing the centre-back as part of a swap deal that could see Christian Pulisic move in the other direction.

The Red Devils have already shown firm interest in Pulisic and they are set to explore whether he would be available on loan in the final two weeks of the transfer window.

Now Chelsea have raised the possibility of landing Maguire and bringing him to west London as part of United’s deal for Pulisic.

The report also adds that Fofana remains Chelsea’s priority and there is still optimism the Frenchman is attainable despite Leicester already rejecting two bids.

Maguire has had a tough time once again this season at Old Trafford after starting in both of United’s opening two defeats to Brighton and Brentford, respectively.

United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to drop his captain for Raphael Varane when they entertain Liverpool on Monday night.

Maguire’s partnership with £57m signing Lisandro Martinez has looked unconvincing and was ruthlessly exposed by the Bees, who put four goals past David de Gea in west London last Saturday when they cut Ten Hag’s backline to shreds.