Chelsea reject stunning £50m bid for Manchester United target

Chelsea have turned down a £50m bid from Barcelona for Manchester United target Willian, claims The Daily Mail.

Willian has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in the last two years, with Jose Mourinho desperate to reunite with the Brazil international.

The United manager is expected to make a move for the 29-year-old if Anthony Martial leaves this summer, but now faces competition from Barcelona.

The Spanish champions want to bolster their offensive options and have earmarked a move for Willian after missing out on Antoine Griezmann.

Barcelona were confident of prising Griezmann away from Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid but the France international ended up signing a new deal with Diego Simeone’s side.

Willian has already suggested he will force a move away from Chelsea if Antonio Conte remains at the club, but the Italian is expected to be replaced by Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri.

Chelsea are determined not to sell the Brazilian, illustrated by the fact they have rejected an opening £50m offer from Barcelona.

Willian only started 20 Premier League games last season, making a further 16 appearances from the bench. He has started every game for Brazil at the 2018 World Cup, but is yet to score or assist for Tite’s side.