The Manchester United-Jadon Sancho saga continues, as sporting director Michael Zorc publicly remains optimistic about the England international.
Meanwhile, reports in Germany suggest that BVB are already preparing a replacement.
With all the Sancho defeats becoming increasingly tiresome, the interest at Old Trafford is genuine. That was the case when 90min last brought you an update on the situation at the end of May, and still holds true, with only a dispute over a fee standing in the way of the deal being completed. Dortmund are said to be chasing something in the region of €100m, while United are not looking to go anywhere near that high.
Jadon Sancho to Liverpool or Manchester United…? pic.twitter.com/Nwte51vMF5
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) July 29, 2020
The German side, however, appear willing to go the distance to secure a maximum fee for a player who scored 20 and provided 20 assists in all competitions last season.
Zorc, who informed Bild of the situation this week, said: “Jadon is a fantastic footballer. With his age he has a quota of goals which I have never seen before.
“I would be happy if he stayed with us this season. And he has a contract.”
There is a £20m gap between #mufc’s asking price for Jadon Sancho and Borussia Dortmund’s £100m asking price. Sporting director Michael Zorc is drawing up plans for Sancho’s departure and talks are expected to continue in the summer #mulive [@mcgrathmike]
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 22, 2020
However, that stance has been slightly damaged by Bild’s claims that Dortmund are already in the running to replace Sancho. Depay, who struggled in Ligue 1 over two years at Old Trafford before reinventing himself as a prolific forward for Lyon, is said to be a target, with the player expected to miss the second half. The latter wants to leave for a new challenge. Last season with injury.
With his contract up in 2021, he is said to cost around €44m, meaning he would represent a good value-for-money alternative… provided it is Leon Depay who arrives at Dortmund, and not United.
I think it’s time! ⏳⚽️ #WalkInFaithNotBySight #BackLikeINeverLeft pic.twitter.com/8Wnia0GFr5
— Memphis Depay (@Memphis) July 30, 2020
Depay scored seven goals in 53 appearances for United. He then went on to score 53 for 134 for Lyon.
Valencia’s Ferran Torres was briefly linked with Sancho as a possible plan B, but now looks set to join Sancho’s former employers Manchester City, after David Silva signed the 20-year-old to Pep Guardiola. Helped in agreeing to join the team.