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FIFA recently rejected Chelsea's appeal against the two transfer window ban which was imposed on them for breaching regulations regarding the signing of U-18 foreign players. Although Chelsea can still submit yet another appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Chelsea's ban for the next two transfer windows could be good news for Manchester United.
There are a number of players who have been linked to both clubs and Chelsea has a better chance of signing these talented players now because they have qualified for the Champions League for next season unlike Manchester United. If banned, most of their transfer targets could be snapped up by Manchester United and that would help the Old Trafford club in the upcoming transfer window.
On that note, here are 3 players who could move to Manchester United if Chelsea is not allowed to sign players in the upcoming transfer window.
#3 James Rodriguez
After a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich, talented forward James Rodriguez was set to return to Real Madrid. However, it has been reported that Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane does not see a future for the Colombian at the club and is willing to sell him in the summer. Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be the prime suitors of the former Monaco player.
Chelsea would have been an easier choice for James Rodriguez to pick as Champions League football is a priority for most of the world-class footballers. Eden Hazard is likely to leave the club in the summer and if not a like-to-like replacement, James Rodriguez could have been the ideal candidate to fill the void for a while.
However, with Chelsea's ban, Manchester United could be the only other high-profile club interested in him and hence, he could move to the club in the summer.
#2 Philippe Coutinho
Brazilian forward Philippe Coutinho has failed to adjust to life at Barcelona as the former Liverpool man has not impressed the club and its fans with his performances so far. After his zero-impact performance against Liverpool in the 2nd leg of Barcelona's Champions League semi-final, there are chances that the club could indeed sell the forward in the summer. Manchester United and Chelsea are the top 2 clubs linked with the youngster.
Chelsea is looking for talented forwards as they are preparing for life without Eden Hazard. Coutinho is someone who fits the bill and he is also experienced in the Premier League. For the player too, Chelsea would have been an ideal option to restart his career. Also, Chelsea would have been a better option than Manchester United who will not be playing the Champions League next season.
With Chelsea's transfer-ban, Manchester United could be well ahead in the race to sign the forward.
#1 Edinson Cavani
After the arrival of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to Paris Saint-Germain, Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has seen his game time reduce gradually. Despite having been a proven performer for the club in the past, Mbappe and Neymar have remained the focal points at PSG. Hence, the 32-year-old is set to leave the club and the forward is reportedly intent on moving to the Premier League with Manchester United and Chelsea the likely destinations.
Chelsea has been facing striker issues since the exit of Diego Costa despite trying the likes of Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain at the position. Hence, Edinson Cavani was a reported target for the club to solve their issues and the player was also interested in the move.
If the ban does remain for Chelsea, Edinson Cavani has other options in the form of Napoli and Manchester United to choose from. If it comes down to this decision, Manchester United could be a preferred choice because of the club's stature.
