Xabi Alonso has dropped a fresh hint that Estevao Willian will not be permitted to leave Chelsea in 2027 following his performance versus Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

The Brazil international has been heavily linked with an exit in recent weeks, amid his lack of game time so far this term, but he was included in the starting XI for the first time this season against Michael Carrick’s side, and he caught the eye in attack.

Estevao had two goals narrowly ruled out for offside, however he was a constant threat to the Man Utd backline and his involvement in the Chelsea team is expected to increase tenfold following a hugely positive outing at Stamford Bridge.

Rumours suggest that Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are sniffing around as they eye a possible blockbuster deal, although Alonso confirmed that talks over a January loan deal aren’t ongoing ahead of the win over Man Utd and that stance is unlikely to have changed.

In fact, the Chelsea manager was full of praise for Estevao after his side’s 2-0 victory and an exit is therefore not expected to be sanctioned next year.

Xabi Alonso hints that Estevao transfer won’t be accepted

“We knew earlier this week – you ask me but sometimes I can’t give you all the info. We spoke after Tottenham and he knew he was going to be playing today,” Alonso told reporters when asked about his decision to include Estevao in the starting XI.

“He had the best response and showed that he deserves more and that he was prepared, and that is what we want from our players. So we're very happy for him.

“He deserves to enjoy this game; he had a good connection with the crowd and was really close to scoring his goal. He fought really hard and at the end he was tired, but it has been a good day for him.

“I assess different situations, from what we were going to do against Liverpool, and what we were going to do [against Man Utd]. I had an idea [that Estevao would start], and I had it clear that he could have a good impact today, and he has shown it.

“He was a threat, he created many chances and situations where we could score. He has shown it well today.”

Estevao is therefore highly likely to remain at Chelsea next year, with a departure almost certainly off the table.