Chelsea favourites to sign Adrien Rabiot

Chelsea have emerged as front-runners to land former Manchester United target Adrien Rabiot in January.

The France international was a top candidate to join the Red Devils from Juventus this summer, but a deal did not materialise.

United agreed a £17 million fee for Rabiot, but refused to meet the midfielder's £165,000-a-week salary demands.

Rabiot has since been in superb form for Juventus, but he appears likely to leave in January after turning down a new deal.

His contract expires in June 2023, and Fichajes report that the Bianconeri will sell him this winter to avoid losing him for free.

Chelsea are now leading the race to sign him. Graham Potter has personally requested the club's hierarchy to land the 27-year-old.

Rabiot has been playing with confidence this season. He has completed 90 per cent of his passes. He has also chipped in with four goals.

It will be interesting to see whether United return for him. They signed Casemiro from Real Madrid after talks broke down this summer.