Manchester United are staring down the barrel of a brutal double blow from Chelsea.
With fans desperate for a transformative overhaul after a dismal season, early developments may already be dampening the optimism.
According to The Guardian, Chelsea may decide against taking up their £25m option to permanently sign Jadon Sancho.
They will have to pay a £5m penalty clause if they opt to send Sancho back to Old Trafford.
The second setback could sting even more, with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap reportedly favouring a move to Chelsea over United.
Delap is said to be swayed by the prospect of European football, something United cannot offer after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final.
It is almost certain that Sancho will not be part of United’s squad next season after his antics, which have infuriated the club’s supporters.
Delap’s refusal leaves United scrambling for a plan B as they urgently seek to inject firepower into their underperforming frontline.
Ramus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were woeful in front of goal all season.
Hojlund faces an uncertain future with many reports linking him with a move back to Italy.
The lack of financial strength is another major reason why Delap was United’s priority target.
The 22-year-old has a release clause worth £30m in his contract after the relegation of the Tractor Boys.
United CEO Omar Berrada displayed confidence yesterday when asked about the club’s transfer plans, but even he may not have predicted this early double blow.
INEOS must activate their contingency plans or risk falling further behind their Premier League rivals.
Crystal Palace centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta could be one of the names on their transfer shortlist.