Manchester United have “tried to hijack” Chelsea’s plan to sign Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but the player is prepared to snub a move to Old Trafford in order to join the Blues, according to Nizaar Kinsella.

The Evening Standard reporter believes that Thomas Tuchel’s side are expected to step up their attempts to secure the 33-year-old’s services “this afternoon” with a meeting scheduled with Barca and the striker’s agents:

Chelsea will speak to Barcelona and Aubameyang’s representatives today in a bid to convince the striker to join

✍️ @NizaarKinsella https://t.co/hNFytEeh1t

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) August 18, 2022

Aubameyang has yet to be completely convinced that a return to the Premier League is a good idea so soon after leaving Arsenal back in January.

If they can get an agreement with the Gabonese international, though, Chelsea are likely to make an offer in the region of £24m, which they believe will be accepted.

Barcelona are short on funds, and raising a significant amount from selling Aubameyang, just months after signing the player for free, would be seen as good business.