Manchester United dealt blow in pursuit of top transfer target

Willian insists he is happy at Chelsea despite intense speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

The Brazil international grew unhappy with life at Chelsea under Antonio Conte last season and was preparing to leave the club after five years in west London.

Barcelona had three bids for Willian rejected by Chelsea before sensationally hi-jacking Roma’s move for Malcom, while Real Madrid were heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old over the weekend.

Reports emerged linking Madrid with a stunning double deal for Willian and Thibaut Courtois but the European giants are understood only to be chasing the latter.

United are still on the market for a new right winger and Jose Mourinho has been keen to reunite with Willian in the last two years, but the Brazilian has suggested he will continue at Chelsea.

“I am very happy at Chelsea and I am very happy living in London,” he told Globo Esporte in Brazil, via The Daily Mirror.

Chelsea are open to selling Willian but will only entertain his departure if their £70m valuation is met and have even lined up Borussia Dortmund teenager Christian Pulisic as his replacement.

Despite a lack of regular playing time last season, Willian still played a direct hand in 13 league goals for Chelsea (six goals, seven assists).