Manchester United’s move for Jadon Sancho has shown signs of unravelling in recent weeks.
Borussia Dortmund director Michael Zorc bullishly dismissed transfer speculation surrounding Sancho on Monday. And Dortmund insist the 11-cap England international is staying at the Westfalenstadion and the decision is final.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made Sancho his No.1 target but the Man United manager may miss out on the right winger altogether. Dortmund have remained steadfast in their demands for a transfer fee reportedly worth £108m.
The Bundesliga challengers issued an ultimatum to sort out a deal by August 10 at the very latest. But the Red Devils believe the arbitrary deadline was just another part of the poker game.
According to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, United were never directly told of any deadline date for Sancho.
#mufc were never directly informed of any August 10 deadline for Jadon Sancho and view Borussia Dortmund's latest comments as part of the battle for leverage in negotiations. United are exploring a deal including various payment instalments and add-ons #mulive [@lauriewhitwell]
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 13, 2020
Whitwell told the Talk of the Devils podcast “it was a bit of a surprise” Sancho signed a secret contract extension until 2023.
However, he added Dortmund said “similar things” about Ousmane Dembele, who ended up moving to Barcelona for £135m after the Bundesliga outfit rejected an initial approach.
With just under two months until the transfer window closes, Ed Woodward must come to terms with Dortmund or face the prospect of another year without a player the club have coveted for so long.
It is understood that the transfer fee is still the stumbling block as both clubs battle for leverage in the negotiations.
While there is no cause for concern at the moment, United will know this is their best chance to sign Sancho before they face stiff competition from the likes of Premier League rivals Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid in 12 months time.
Recent reports revealed the Red Devils are frustrated by a lack of progress and the board are believed to be considering other options.
But being so close to signing Solskjaer’s top target it would hardly make any sense to walk away now.
And United have refused to give up despite their frustrations over the pace of proceedings.
They might not like it but it is highly likely they will have to splash the cash to sign Sancho in the summer.
United fans, do you think Ed Woodward will sign Sancho this summer? Let us know your views in the comments below!
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