The Jadon Sancho saga has been dominating the transfer market since last summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sent out a clear message to the Manchester United bosses, in the aftermath of a 2-1 exit from the Europa League in the semi-final clash against Sevilla. The need for quality backups has amplified with each passing game since the Project Restart has commenced.
"We need to strengthen the squad depth because it’s going to be a long season. We’re going to keep pushing and keep demanding more of the players that we have, but still, we’re looking to improve and it’s a strange one. The league starts very quickly, but then the [transfer] market is open for so long. So we’ve got to be both good, smart and clever."
Solskjaer when quizzed upon summer transfer plans.
Jadon Sancho has been the priority for Manchester United for a long time. The deal was about to happen this summer but the financial implications owing to the pandemic has stymied the dialogues between the clubs, citing the magnitude of funds required for the transfer.
Priced at €120m, Dortmund chiefs are in no rush to sell one of their most valuable assets this summer, expecting a bidding war 12 months later when the aftereffects of the pandemic have subsided.
Preseason vibes... pic.twitter.com/PBy66y2SHC
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) August 16, 2020
Ed Woodward is keen on matching Jadon Sancho’s valuation set by his German counterparts, but the insistence remains on paying the fees in an amortised structure. The deal was progressing without any friction, but Dortmund’s insistence over higher upfront value has impeded the dialogues.
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Despite the deal hitting a brick wall, Manchester United remain keen on reviving the deal and it is understood that the talks are ongoing between the parties amid the BVB bosses terming Sancho as “not for sale”.
"Manchester United have still not made an official offer for Sancho.If they make a realistic offer – close to Dortmund’s €120m (£108m) asking price – it is thought that Sancho would be willing to tell Dortmund that he wants to leave. (Sky Sports)"
Considering the short break before the next campaign begins, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would want to gain clarity over the group of players he wants to work with for the 2020/21 term, where Champions League football presents a fresh challenge to Manchester United.
The United bosses have lined up alternatives, who would not be pursued until Jadon Sancho’s transfer is practically over for Ed Woodward, at least this summer. Douglas Costa, Kingsley Coman, and Ousmane Dembele are understood to be on the list of backups for Solskjaer to bolster his attack.