Manchester United may have a secret weapon in their attempt to land Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea in the final hours of the transfer window.

The Guardian claims United held talks with Chelsea over the midfielder this week, and there is potential for him to be part of the Jadon Sancho deal or a separate transfer. As it stands, however, talks between the clubs have not progressed.

Sancho meanwhile, has given the green light on a move to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are reported to have submit an official bid for the winger. Fabrizio Romano confirms the proposal is for an initial loan, similar to what was offered by Juventus, though the total package is higher.

Chukwuemeka, who wants to play regular football, could be reunited with Mason Mount should he join United, whom he shared the Chelsea dressing room with. Whilst on Chelsea’s tour of the US last summer, Chukwuemeka was asked about Mount after he had completed his move to Old Trafford.

He simply replied: “It is what it is, I miss him.”

Chukwuemeka’s relationship with Mount could prove significant in a deal materialising. The Chelsea academy graduate, Mount left the Blues to join United for £60million last summer, where he signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

It appears Mount had been a key influence on Chukwuemeka’s development at Chelsea, telling him on social media following his debut for the Blues after his move from Aston Villa: “My boy! Deserved,” along with a heart emoji.

Mount made just 20 appearances for the Reds in his debut season, mainly due to a calf injury which kept him out of action for four months. Mount recently returned to the sideline after sustaining a muscle injury in the defeat at Brighton last weekend.

With the Premier League heading into a two-week international break next week, the midfielder might not miss too many games for Erik ten Hag’s team.