Ed Woodward and Manchester United’s negotiating tactics for Jadon Sancho have reportedly left Borussia Dortmund “bemused”. The Red Devils have so far failed to agree a fee for the England international despite having chased his signature all summer.
The 20-year-old winger is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top target as he looks for a right-sided attacker to lock down the right flank.
Sancho, who last season contributed 20 goals and 20 assists across all competitions in 40 games and already has goal and two assists in two games this term, is seen as the ideal option to do so.
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Established as one of the best forwards in the Bundesliga already despite his age, Sancho also has the potential to significantly improve further.
But Dortmund are well aware of the 13-cap England international’s sky-high potential and want to be well compensated to give up his services.
The German outfit want £108million but United – with chief-executive chairman Woodward leading the negotiations – have yet to agree to paying that amount, insisting the coronavirus pandemic makes such a fee unrealistic.
Dortmund declared earlier this summer that if the asking price was not met by August 10, Sancho would not be leaving and all the noises coming from their camp since have been that the player is going nowhere.
United have continued to talk with Dortmund however, but have yet to bring a bid to the table that would prompt a rethink.
And while terms are agreed between Sancho and United, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth says that United’s handling of the whole saga has perplexed Dortmund – with the likes of Gary Neville and Patrice Evra recently being strongly critical of the United hierarchy for their lack of recruitment this summer.
“Time is running out for Manchester United to make an official move, and even if they do, Borussia Dortmund are simply not budging,” Sheth told Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show.
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“I’m told today that United knew well in advance of an August 1 deadline to come to the table with regards to Jadon Sancho.
“That was extended to August 10 but United hadn’t made any contact before that date. Instead, they focused on perceived issues surrounding agents fees and personal terms.
He said his squad are “short” and added: “We are always looking to improve if there is something out there that is available at the right price. We always want to strengthen.”
Having only signed £40m midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax, the Red Devils boss however changed his tone somewhat after a 3-0 defeat of Luton Town in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night.
The Norwegian said only: “We’re working with the ones we have [right now]. Let’s see what happens. We’ll give you updates if there is something.”
United return to action away at Brighton on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) looking to bounce back from their top-flight loss to Palace.
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