Manchester United have opened talks over a deal for Raheem Sterling but will only progress in a swap for Jadon Sancho on their own terms.

According to the Telegraph United sporting director Dan Ashworth was in dialogue with Chelsea earlier on Tuesday over a sensational package that would see the two England forwards move in opposite directions.

With Sterling frozen out of the first-team squad United are determined to make his situation at Stamford Bridge work to their advantage by paying no outlay to land the Premier League third-highest scorer among those currently playing in the competition.

Chelsea have been expected to pay part of Sterling wages more than £300.000 per week at his next club as they look for departure options.

Sancho is wanted at Chelsea to add to Enzo Maresca attacking options.