Alejandro Garnacho is determined to prove himself in the Premier League as he refuses to accept being labelled a Manchester United flop.
His time at Old Trafford is up, and boss Ruben Amorim has told him in no uncertain terms that there is no way back.
Garnacho, 21, has been waiting patiently for the right offer to emerge, and now Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged among possible destinations where he could relaunch his career in England.
There have been chances for him to move to clubs in Europe this summer, but sources suggest he would prefer not to make such a move. He feels hurt by the way he is perceived and has unfinished business. It is felt that his best qualities have yet to be fully showcased.
He remains confident that he can still succeed at the top level but now he has to find the right landing spot to do so.
This week, Chelsea has again been discussed as a new home for the Argentine. Chelsea considered signing him last season and now – at a time when they are looking to add one or two new faces to the attack – he remains in their thoughts.
The potential of such a move opened up again as Manchester United have considered signing Nicolas Jackson from Stamford Bridge.
The problem is that officials at United are put off by a valuation over Β£60million being attached to Jackson.
And over at Chelsea, there is not a completely positive vote across the recruitment team in favour of signing Garnacho.
It is a complicated one – and the prospect of a swap deal always throws up hurdles, too.
Aston Villa have looked at the situation as well. Garnacho, who was pictured wearing a Villa shirt with Rashfordβs number nine recently, has been considered by the Villains – and has even spoken to Rashford about the idea of a move.
Spurs are in the picture, too. They have also considered Jack Grealish at a time when they want to add Premier League experience and final-third ability to their ranks ahead of the new season.
Sources have confirmed that Tottenham have an awareness of the terms it would take to sign Garnacho and now, as they show new ambition and spending power, there has been fresh thought given to his situation at United.
Garnacho and Amorim struggled to get along at the end of last season and it was reported that the United boss told him: βYou better pray that you can find a club to sign you.β
We are now in the moment for that to happen.
United and Garnachoβs representatives have been working on opening up new opportunities and it is hoped he has a new home lined up by the time the club heads off on their pre-season tour to the United States.
