Sunderland midfielder approached by Manchester United and Chelsea

Manchester United and Chelsea have found themselves circling the same names again as both clubs continue to build around younger, high-upside talent.

For United, that approach has become a clear part of the post-summer rebuild, with recruitment increasingly focused on players who can grow into key roles rather than simply plug short-term gaps.

However, an overlap of the two clubs have been emerging on a few fronts.

Recent reports have linked both clubs with Gremio defender Luis Eduardo and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Bouaddi having interest from multiple elite sides including United.

Now, that same “shared shortlist” dynamic has reached the Premier League itself.

Sky Sport have reported that Manchester United and Chelsea have both stepped up their pursuit of Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, with Chelsea making direct contact to ask about the player’s asking price after the sides met in October.

United, however, are said to have been tracking Sadiki for longer, with the report adding that the Old Trafford side approached his representatives earlier in the season and could prioritise him if a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba proves too expensive.

Sadiki only joined Sunderland in the summer after arriving from Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal reported to be worth around £18 million, and he has quickly become one of the standout stories of their return to the top flight.

For Manchester United, the appeal is fairly straightforward as Sadiki offers mobility, intensity and versatility across midfield, while also fitting the age profile that suits Ruben Amorim’s longer-term squad build.