‘We are working to at least keep hold of him for the entire Europa League’: Inter Milan director confirms Alexis Sanchez situation is ‘not resolved yet’ amid tense negotiations with Manchester United to extend his loan
- Alexis Sanchez has spent the year on loan at Inter Milan from Manchester United
- Inter Milan are hoping to extend his loan so he can stay for the Europa League
- Manchester United however are not currently willing to agree to a loan extension
- The Red Devils are also in the Europa League and the two sides could face off
Inter Milan have not yet been able to come to terms with Manchester United on a loan extension for Alexis Sanchez.
The Chile international is on loan and due to the extended season following lockdown, clubs have had to negotiate extensions to loan deals.
However, Manchester United have held a tough stance with Inter as well as Roma’s Chris Smalling, so far refusing to let them stay beyond the Europa League Round of 16 games.
Inter Milan are hoping to extend Alexis Sanchez’s loan until the end of the Europa League
Manchester United are not willing to agree an extension as they could face Inter Milan
The Red Devils are also in the Europa League and could therefore face both sides later in the competition.
Inter director Beppe Marotta told Sky Sports Italia: ‘It’s an anomalous issue, considering the Europa League can be changed by the absence of certain players.
‘The situation has not been resolved yet, we are working to at least keep hold of him for the entire Europa League.’
Both Sanchez and Smalling were initially signed on season-long loans until the end of June, but Manchester United agreed to extend their deals until the end of the Serie A season on August 2.
The Europa League will then resume three days later with Inter Milan playing their Round of 16 match with Getafe.
Sky Sports Italia also reported that Manchester United want Alexis Sanchez to accept a large pay cut before they would consider extending his loan.
The Red Devils currently pay a large portion of his salary which they want to clear up.
Inter Milan are also considering making Sanchez’s move permanent but would also want the Chilean to lower his staggering £500,000 a week salary.
Manchester United are also unwilling to extend Roma’s loan of defender Chris Smalling
The 31-year-old made a slow start to life in Milan but his form has improved since football returned with three goals and seven assists.
Inter Milan moved second in Serie A on Friday night with a 3-0 win which saw Sanchez get on the score-sheet.
Inter coach Antonio Conte told Sky Sports Italia after the game that Manchester United are frightened they’ll miss out on the Europa League.
‘In England, they say Manchester United are forced to win it, as otherwise they might not qualify for the Champions League.
‘We want to do our best, I tell the lads not to set themselves limits, but even Getafe are tough in the Round of 16, as they defend with 10 men and are not afraid to give opponents a good kicking.’
