Man Utd to mimic Chelsea tactic to tempt Dortmund into selling Sancho
Manchester United could try to negotiate a deal for Jadon Sancho in January using a similar formula to the one Chelsea used to sign Christian Pulisic, according to a report.
Sancho was United’s top target throughout the summer transfer window, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer searched for a right winger.
Their long-running efforts to sign Sancho bore no fruit, though. Borussia Dortmund were adamant that they would not let him go for a penny less than his £108m release clause.
Despite their major admiration of the player, United refused to go that high in the current financial climate. However, at one time, they were just £10m away from meeting the asking price.
Negotiations dragged out, though, and Dortmund insisted Sancho would not be moving after their pre-season camp began. Despite United’s best efforts after that date, they did not complete a deal.
That led them to agree a cheap deal to sign Facundo Pellistri, although the Uruguayan is more one for the future. Likewise, they agreed a deal to sign Amad Diallo from Atalanta, but the deal for the teenager will only go through in January.
According to 90min, Man Utd retain their interest in Sancho, and want to sign him in 2021.
There have been some concerns that other clubs will be able to rival United for Sancho next year. This summer, they were the only suitor, which may mean this was a missed chance.
However, the report claims United still have a plan in place to beat their rivals to the England winger. In fact, they could mimic a negotiating tactic recently used by Chelsea.
The Blues signed Pulisic from Dortmund in January 2019, but allowed the American winger to stay with the Bundesliga side on loan for the remainder of the season.
Pulisic has since made a big impact since joining up with Chelsea that summer, as their patience paid off.
Solskjaer wants ‘elite’ winger
According to 90min, United could look to strike a similar agreement for Sancho. Despite the signings of Pellistri and Diallo, Solskjaer still wants a right winger of the highest level.
Therefore, the club could enter negotiations with Dortmund in January. It is “almost impossible” that Sancho would leave mid-season, but they could find an agreement for him to move in summer 2021.
United want to secure Sancho’s signing before next summer’s European Championships, which are due to commence on June 11th.
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Hence, they will approach his representatives in January, to try and make progress as early as possible.
However, the report adds that he could receive “more lucrative offers” from elsewhere if he waits until after the Euros. If Sancho decides to wait, United are still prepared to be involved in the battle for his signature, but it would be easier if they tried in January.
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