Manchester United could make a shock swoop for one of Chelsea's best-performing players this season, according to French outlet L'Equipe.
The Red Devils have had a mixed start to the Premier League campaign. They are currently 13th in the table with 15 points, but only four adrift of the top four.
The club have lacked the cutting edge in the final third in several games and incoming manager Ruben Amorim could request for an attacking acquisition in January.
The Portuguese has already ruled out the prospect of signing any Sporting CP stars and L'Equipe (translated by GFFN) claim that Nkunku is on United's radar.
Nkunku is said to be frustrated with his current situation under Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
The Frenchman did not expect to play in Europe's third-best competition and second fiddle in the Premier League. He is frustrated with his reduced minutes off the bench.
Nkunku has the ability to play anywhere in the attack, but Maresca has preferred the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson regularly in the league games.
His situation has reportedly alerted several big clubs and United are reportedly one of those.
With Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk also competing for playing time, it is claimed that the Blues could open the door for Nkunku's winter exit.
The 26-year-old was one of the best strikers in Bundesliga with RB Leipzig and there were huge expectations on him after Chelsea signed him in a pre-agreement.
His first campaign was a forgettable one due to multiple injuries. He has stayed unscathed this campaign, but has failed to get the nod over Jackson to lead the Blues' attack.
Nkunku is unlikely to displace Palmer for the number 10 role, but he now finds himself behind Madueke and Neto in the pecking order for the wide attacking positions too.
The Frenchman, who has 10 goals to his name this campaign, is unlikely to entertain his current situation and he could push for a departure when the transfer window reopens.
United are currently lacking the extra quality in the final third. Nkunku would be a superb acquisition if new manager Ruben Amorim plans to play with a 3-4-2-1 set-up.
Nkunku could line up alongside Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield positions with Alejandro Garnacho and possibly Amad Diallo slotting in the wing-back roles.
The former Leipzig man made a name for himself due to his goalscoring and creativity from the number 10 position and he could be a dream partner for Fernandes under Amorim.
In our view, the club are most likely to propose a loan deal for the £54 million-rated star with an option to buy. However, the Blues may want a conditional obligation to purchase.