United have reportedly made Sancho their top summer target
Manchester United could reportedly launch a big money move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho this summer – if they can secure Champions League football for next season.
According to a report in the Mirror, United have prioritised a wide player who is comfortable on the right wing and see Sancho, who they are ‘determined’ to land, as the ideal fit.
The 18-year-old has blossomed at Dortmund this season, his impressive form for the Bundesliga leaders also helping him establish himself as a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England team.
Sancho made the move to Germany from Manchester City 18 months ago. Despite Pep Guardiola wanting him to remain at the Etihad, the London-born teenager had grown frustrated at the lack of genuine first team opportunities and rejected the chance to sign professional terms with the club.
Dortmund insist he is not for sale at any price, though a bid of over £100m would likely prove to be difficult for them to turn down.
Should United be willing to pay it, City – who have also been linked with a move to bring him back to Manchester – would stand to receive 15% of the fee due to a sell-on clause they inserted into the deal which saw him move to Germany.
While such a transfer fee wouldn’t be beyond United, Champions League qualification could be a decisive factor in the move happening or not. Sancho is said to view playing at the top level of European football as crucial to his ongoing development.
Their resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seen United overtake Arsenal and Chelsea to move into the Premier League’s top four. A win in the big game against Liverpool this Sunday will be seen as a significant step towards Champions League football next season – something which seemed almost impossible when Jose Mourinho left the club in December.
