Jadon Sancho to Manchester United transfer latest: What we know so far
Jadon Sancho's future looks set to be a long-running story throughout the summer.
The winger has been linked with a move back to England since swapping Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
In less than three years, Sancho has become one of Europe's hottest properties and now Manchester United are leading the busy race of his signature.
Sancho will likely command a club-record fee for any potential suitor, especially United and Chelsea.
So what will happen this summer? Here's what we know so far from Manchester football correspondent James Robson...
Is the deal close?
No, but Manchester United are growing increasingly confident of landing their top transfer target.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attempted to sign Sancho last summer but Dortmund’s refusal to sell, combined with the winger’s reluctance to push for a move, saw him stay put.
However, United have been made aware of a change in stance by the German club and are ready to beat Chelsea in any bidding war.
There was no 'anti-United' clause entered into the transfer agreement which saw Sancho swap the Etihad Stadium for the Bundesliga, unlike the deal which saw Brahim Diaz join Real Madrid a year later.
United’s executive vice chairman said: “Our recruitment process focuses on analysis and selection of players over the course of a season, with a view to the following summer transfer window.
"As part of the rebuild we see this coming summer as an important opportunity."
How much will he cost?
Sancho is seen as key to Woodward and Solskjaer's vision for United and are willing to pay in excess of £100million - excliping the £89m spent on Paul Pogba - to land their priority attacking target.
Standard Sport understands Chelsea are of similar mind, despite already agreeing a deal to sign Hakim Ziyech from Ajax for £37.8m.
Frank Lampard has been told Chelsea can afford Dortmund's £120m price tag for Sancho after two barren windows for incomings and Eden Hazard leaving for Real Madrid for £130m.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Bild recently: "Even before the coronavirus outbreak, we said that we prefer that Jadon stays with us. At the end of the day, however, you always have to respect what the player wants.”
"I'll say clearly that even the very rich clubs shouldn't believe that they can come here to snap up bargains. We don't have to sell anyone for less than they're worth."
Other targets
Interestingly, United were also keen on Ziyech but backed out of negotiations to focus on Sancho. Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz is also of interest.
Other more pressing targets are James Maddison, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham. United would sign one of Maddison and Grealish, though Pogba's future - and any fee for a sale - is tied into that.
The arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January appears to point towards Pogba leaving.
Ironically, Dortmund could use the cash generated by selling Sancho to beat United to Bellingham's signature, and the club are an attractive prospect after success with Sancho and Erling Haaland - another United target.
