Chelsea target ex-Man Utd player who ‘refused to speak to Erik ten Hag’ before Old Trafford exit

Chelsea could reignite their interest in former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira, it has been claimed.

Pereira, who currently plays his football in the Premier League for Fulham, called time on a 10-year stay at Old Trafford following the arrival of manager Erik ten Hag.

The Brazilian was loaned to Granada, Valencia, Lazio, and Flamengo for the most of his career until joining Craven Cottage permanently, where he has become a mainstay under manager Marco Silva.

Chelsea had already expressed interest in Pereira throughout the summer as they searched for a replacement for Mason Mount, who signed a £55 million contract to join United in July.

The Blues subsequently invested in a flurry of midfielders including Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo. However, Pereira would find a move to a top European club ‘difficult to turn down, according to ESPN Brazil.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will reignite their pursuit of the 27-year-old this January, but there is no denying Pereira’s desire to play first-team football after he ‘didn’t speak to Ten Hag’ when the Dutchman took charge at Old Trafford.

Explaining the situation in an interview with ESPN, the midfielder said: “I didn’t speak with Ten Hag.

“I knew him from my time working at PSV, but I had made up my mind to stay, so maybe I could talk to the manager again.” I had the thought, “I need to go, I need to feel confident, and I need to play,” and I carried it out.

“I have many memories from United, both happy and sad. The club has been there for ten years. I was sixteen when I arrived, so I was a little guy. Although it was an incredible journey, there came a point when I considered leaving.

“I wanted to play every game and I wanted to feel more appreciated. I had the ideal opportunity with what Fulham and [manager] Marco Silva offered me.”