Chelsea could make a U-turn and retain 'bomb squad' outcast with one stipulation

Chelsea outcast Trevoh Chalobah's future at his boyhood club was looking bleak, but there may be a glimmer of hope as he could be given a lifeline.

The 25-year-old was recently informed he was surplus to requirements and was not part of Enzo Maresca’s first team plans.

Chalobah had forced his way back into the starting line-up at the end of last season having lost his place following the signings of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.

The Blues have since added Tosin Adarabioyo to their ranks, while Wesley Fofana has recovered from a long-term injury.

Chalobah has been training with a group of around 15 players branded the ‘bomb squad’ which also includes the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.

Manchester United had been linked with a move for Chalobah earlier in the window but Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Old Trafford blocked that potential escape route.

Crystal Palace had looked like a more likely destination, especially given Joachim Andersen’s move to Fulham and Marc Guehi’s likely exit.

According to The Athletic, however, Newcastle, who had been trying to sign Guehi, are now looking at Disasi as a potential alternative.

Should the Frenchman move to St James’ Park, Chalobah could be in-line for an unlikely reprieve with Chelsea uncertain to sign a direct replacement.

Sterling, meanwhile, is open to ending his Chelsea nightmare by completing a shock move to United.

Maresca publicly confirmed in a press conference that Sterling – along with fellow Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell – were training away from the first-team squad and said both should leave before the summer transfer window closes at the end of the month.

That has led Sterling’s representatives to approach several clubs to enquire about a possible move and United have been touted as a potential destination for the 29-year-old.