Man Utd Going 'All In' For Premier League Star As Chelsea Prepare For Bidding War

Manchester United and Chelsea Set for Bidding War for Sunderland Star

Though Manchester United's season is going decently, especially in comparison to their fortunes over the previous campaign, one particular area of weakness that was deemed as negated by Ruben Amorim and co was the midfield department.

A mis-firing attack was bolstered with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha whilst the club's perennial goalkeeper issues were brought to an end with the arrival of Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens.

However, an engine room featuring an aging Casemiro and a lacklustre Manuel Ugarte as examples have not been helped by even the star power of Bruno Fernandes and a much-improved Mason Mount, no less as Ruben Amorim seems intent on destroying Kobbie Mainoo's promising young career in a World Cup season. As such, targets have been identified for the 6th-placed Premier League side to pursue.

🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Scholes: "Kobbie Mainoo is going to have to leave. And you know what will happen now? He will get brought on, and he won't play great because he needs 5/6/7/8 games."

"And then Amorim will go: "told you so...' pic.twitter.com/Uft2YhOvLI

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 12, 2025

The main two names being chased by The Red Devils, according to reports, have been Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Brighton stalwart Carlos Baleba - two hungry, progressive dynamos in the middle of the park who would add a much-needed lift to United's central area. However, any deals for the pair have either already been shut down or deemed as likely too expensive.

As such, Manchester United are eyeing up another avenue to add the much-needed lift to their engine room, but face a bidding war from fellow 'Big Six' side Chelsea who hold a long standing interest in United's new target.

Sadiki On Watch - Big Six Sides Circle Sunderland Star

According to Sky Sports' Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland star Noah Sadiki has been outlined as a key future target for Manchester United and Chelsea to chase ahead of the upcoming transfer windows.

The 20-year-old Congolese midfielder only joined The Black Cats last summer from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for an undisclosed fee, but has played a starring role along with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra to help mount a daring push to 9th in the Premier League table, in their first season back in the English to-flight since relegation in 2017.

Noah Sadiki

Chelsea target 👀pic.twitter.com/YoPCuQAbLN

— Retro 23 (@Ll3tte) December 12, 2025

Known for his combative edge and dynamic brand of play, Sadiki represents both immediate talent and room for the future of either Chelsea or Manchester United. However, given his only-recent arrival in the North-East, he is likely to command a solid fee though still a smaller amount than that expected to secure the arrival of Anderson or Baleba.

Tavolieri revealed all around the race for Sadiki's signature:

“Manchester United and Chelsea are vying for Noah Sadiki! The battle is already raging in the Premier League… and it concerns a name still relatively unknown to the general public, but not to scouts: Noah Sadiki. The Congolese midfielder from Sunderland is attracting a lot of attention, to the point that Manchester United and Chelsea have decided to step up their pursuit.

“According to our information, Chelsea acted immediately after the Black Cats’ last match against the Blues on October 25th, contacting Sunderland to inquire about the asking price for the young talent. This direct approach is a sign of the very serious interest from Stamford Bridge.

“But Chelsea aren’t alone. Manchester United have long had Sadiki in their sights: the Red Devils had already approached the player’s representatives at the start of the season, proof that the situation is being closely monitored. Looking for a midfielder, United could turn to Sadiki if signing Baleba proves too expensive.

“With Chelsea aggressive in the transfer market and Manchester United looking for creative solutions, the race to sign Noah Sadiki is officially on…”