MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for a tough trip to Chelsea.
But Odion Ighalo has reportedly been ordered to train away from the rest of the Red Devils squad after arriving from China.
Meanwhile, United are said to be readying a massive bid for PSG's World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe in the summer.
Follow all of the latest Man Utd news, gossip and updates below…
BRIDGE TOO FAR
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes Chelsea will beat Man Utd 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
He said: “The race for the top four is fascinating. Can Chelsea make it? Again, they are a side who are quite awkward at home.
“Tammy Abraham had a few niggles before the winter break, while Mason Mount was left out for the game against Arsenal and these things can start to take a strain. Willian has been class but went cold for a few games, so the break may have come just at the right time for them so that they can get back to the basics.
“Manchester United will have got some of their players fit during the break. They were excellent when they went to Manchester City twice, but they are showing no consistency. This is why people are still backing, and hoping for, Mauricio Pochettino to come in.
“I do think Chelsea will have enough, but they will need to focus on getting their style right and doing the basics effectively.”
MADD FOR IT
James Maddison is desperate to sign for Manchester United and “would have joined years ago” if it were up to him, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been chasing the Leicester playmaker, 23, all season and is set to bring him to Old Trafford as part of a monster £274m summer spree.
And now a source has told the Manchester Evening News that Maddison would have joined even earlier if he'd been allowed to.
Maddison is under contract at Leicester until 2023 and is said to still be considering putting pen to paper on a new deal.
Part of the confusion for the No10 revolves around United's January signing of Bruno Fernandes.
But Man Utd are adamant they are still chasing both Maddison ANDGrealish, despite bringing in the Portuguese star in the January window.
DIER STRAITS
Man Utd are reportedly plotting a summer swoop for Spurs midfielder Eric Dier.
According to the Daily Star, the Red Devils believe the England international could be tempted to make the move to Old Trafford.
United will need a midfielder should they part ways with Paul Pogba, and Dier will want regular first team football.
It has been claimed that the ex-Sporting Lisbon ace is reluctant to sign a new contract in North London amid concerns over a lack of playing time under Jose Mourinho.
The player's current deal expires in 2021.
NOT THE REAL DEAL
Man Utd have been handed a potential boost as long-term target Donny van de Beek described talk of an agreed transfer to Real Madrid as “premature”.
The Red Devils have long been interested in the 22-year-old, but it had appeared that a £45million move to the Spanish giants was virtually secured.
The Dutchman told Algemeen Dagblad, however: “It makes no sense I can’t control what people say.
“I think it is premature. I have often said: I will not hurry; I am fine here.
“If it happens, it happens.”
NOT ZI ONE
Man Utd opted against rivalling Chelsea for Hakim Ziyech… because they reportedly have their sights firmly set on Jadon Sancho, James Maddison and Jack Grealish.
The Red Devils had considered a move for the 26-year-old Ajax schemer ahead of his £36.7million move to Stamford Bridge.
But after being informed that Sancho will be leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side decided not to rival Chelsea for the Moroccan.
According to the Standard, Sancho has been a key target for United for over 12 months now, but his club had made it very clear that they wouldn't be entertaining bids.
With that position having now changed, United will go all out to secure the 19-year-old's signature in the summer.
Chelsea themselves have also been strongly linked with the 11 cap England international.
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