Manchester United and Chelsea are considering a blockbuster swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku and Alejandro Garnacho before the January transfer deadline, according to reports. Chelsea’s pursuit of the 20-year-old winger is said to have taken a fresh twist as Ruben Amorim looks among Enzo Maresca’s ranks for a potential replacement.

Garnacho is expected to leave United this month if the club’s £60million asking price is met, with Napoli also strongly linked with a swoop.

However, only Bruno Fernandes and Amad have directly contributed to more goals for the Red Devils this season, potentially leaving a void in Amorim’s attack.

Nkunku has grown unsettled at Stamford Bridge amid a lack of playing time, starting just three Premier League matches this term.

The 27-year-old has received most of his minutes in the Conference League, scoring five of his 13 goals in the European competition.

Maresca has admitted that while Nkunku and Joao Felix are top players, neither can regularly start in attacking midfield when Cole Palmer’s at his disposal.

The French attacker has reportedly agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga giants are unable to meet Chelsea’s £70m valuation.

United – and Garnacho’s availability – could be a work-around, though. According to Sky Germany, both clubs are considering a stunning swap deal.

Whether it would be a straight swap, given the two players’ similar valuations, remains to be seen with just 10 days remaining in the January transfer window.

And while there have been discussions, there has been no final decision yet, and the situation isn’t considered advanced.

It follows a Sky Sports report that claimed Chelsea aren’t looking to offload Nkunku before 11pm on February 3, but intermediaries have discussed a possible deal.

Amorim would undoubtedly want a replacement for Garnacho if United sanctioned the academy graduate’s exit in the coming week.

The Argentine’s departure would leave Amad as United’s only winger if Marcus Rashford completes an expected loan move.

Lecce left-wing-back Patrick Dorgu has emerged as Amorim’s top target, but the Serie A side are holding firm on their £34m asking price.

United have so far offered £25m, so the two clubs would have to agree to a compromise if the 20-year-old Dane is to land at Old Trafford.

Garnacho’s sale, which would represent pure profit due to his homegrown status, would surely unlock efforts to recruit a second player.