Manchester United and Chelsea have inquired about signing Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, respectively Heaven of Germany.
United are in need of a midfielder after Christian Eriksen was ruled out with an injury until at least April. Chelsea have been working on a move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, but that deal is not yet fully agreed.
Bayern are prepared to let Sabitzer go on loan or permanently and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has been on the phone with both Premier League clubs.
Sabitzer joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021
The Brits are waiting on Bayern if they do the business – though Manchester Evening News United are reportedly ‘confident’ they can complete a deal before the deadline.
United’s preference is a loan and that could work for Bayern as Sabitzer still has two and a half years left on his contract.
The fact that United and Bayern are in different European competitions and direct rivals cannot become one of the most important factors.
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Sabitzer is attracting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea – Watch his only goal for Bayern Munich this season
Austria international Sabitzer joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 but has only started seven games in the Bundesliga this season.
A dominant central midfielder, the 28-year-old also played as a defensive midfield, attacking midfielder, second striker and winger during his career.
Merse: Sabitzer doesn’t get into the Bayern team – it’s a panic!
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Paul Merson is not convinced Sabitzer is the right player for United and Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson speaking on Deadline Day:
“Marcel Sabitzer doesn’t get into the Bayern Munich team. I know I have two stuck in midfield but if he’s a good one you’d like to push him. He’s back to panic again. There was no concern in him. January 1 .
“Chelsea are trying to get Enzo Fernandez over the line and Christian Eriksen is now injured at Man United. He has panic. Bayern Munich have bought second-rate players.”
“That boy hasn’t been on the pitch before. He doesn’t get a team at Bayern – nowhere near his first team. You have to ask the question ‘is it making us better?’ I’m not sure.”
View from Germany: Sabitzer has potential, but can he replace Eriksen?
Germany’s Uli Kohler in the Bayern Munich stadium;
“Following Eriksen, he has big steps, but he can try very well. For sure, you can’t replace Eriksen with one.
“He is a player with potential. He is very important for the Austrian team. He was the most important player when he played for Leipzig, who were also in the Champions League several times and Sabitzer was one of the key players.
“For sure, he can help. But replace Eriksen, that remains to be seen.”
Ten Hag: We’re Eriksen’s quality;
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Manchester United manager Eric Ten Hag is discussing who could replace Christian Eriksen in midfield after the Denmark international was ruled out of action until at least April due to injury
Eriksen left Old Trafford on crutches after being sent off in Saturday’s FA Cup tie, and now looks set to mark the amount United miss in the run-in.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag explained that he would be fine to cover for Eriksen’s absence – but admits it would be difficult to replace the Dane’s quality in attacking positions.
“He made a mistake and let us down, but it happens in the best football. You have to deal with it,” said the United boss.
“We have players in the midfield, good players who can fill the gap. Every player has his own characteristics and identity. Eriksen is at the top of our squad and some characteristics are difficult to replace, for example in the third third of the final.”
Chelsea close to PL-record £105m Fernandez deal
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Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol explain the latest in Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez as the London club look to break Britain’s record transfer fee
Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez in a £105.6m bid – the same price as the midfielder’s fee.
Todd Boehly The Blues want to create a clause for payment of wages in the institutions, as paying in one go has Financial Fair Play and tax implications.
Chelsea had been in talks to sign the Argentine World Cup winner all this month, but Benfica refused to do the deal unless the Blues paid a €120m (£105.6m) fee.
The midfielder has once again told Benfica that he wants to join Chelsea. If Fernandez were to move to Stamford Bridge, he would surpass the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa 18 months ago, making him the most expensive Premier League signing ever.
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Who will be moving this winter? The January transfer window closes to 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Keep up to date with all the latest translations of news and rumors in our dedicated church Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports digital platforms. You can also catch up with ins, points and analysis Sky Sports News.
