Chelsea have reportedly emerged as surprise suitors for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as the transfer window enters its final stretch.

The London club’s interest comes despite an already eye-watering summer spend exceeding £300 million, a figure boosted by the British transfer record they set when landing Morgan Rogers.

Other notable additions to Stamford Bridge this window include Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, and Valentin Barco, alongside experienced heads Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.

Under new boss Xabi Alonso, Chelsea kicked off their league campaign in style, edging past west London neighbours Fulham 3-2 on Monday evening.

Behind the scenes, though, the club’s priority right now leans more toward trimming the squad than expanding it.

Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap both look set for exits, and the door is open for bids on Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto as well. Enzo Fernandez, meanwhile, continues to attract interest from Manchester City, though Chelsea are holding firm on an asking price of at least £120 million.

Even amid this outgoing activity, sources suggest Chelsea wouldn’t rule out bringing in one more attacking option before the window shuts.

According to reporting from The Independent, a late bid for Rashford is under consideration.

The England international’s last season away from Old Trafford was spent on loan at Barcelona, where he’d hoped to make his stay permanent.

Those plans fell through, sending him back to Manchester.

While there was early speculation United might part ways with him, manager Michael Carrick has since made clear that Rashford remains part of his plans going forward.