Manchester United in talks over £70m Jadon Sancho transfer plus further £45m in add-ons
Manchester United are trying to strike a compromise deal for Jadon Sancho, which would see them pay in instalments for the England international.
Old Trafford’s hierarchy are adamant they won’t meet Borussia Dortmund’s £100million-plus valuation of Sancho.
But they are trying to structure a transfer worth £60-70m up front, followed by two further add-ons of around £45million.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that Sancho is his priority target during this transfer window.
And United are free to press ahead with their pursuit of the winger now that Champions League qualification has been secured.
United’s finances have been hit hard by the impact of coronavirus and it’s understood they held off finalising their recruitment plans until they were certain of a return to European football’s premier competition and the rewards it brings.
Even still, they consider Dortmund’s asking price prohibitive and are reluctant to pay in excess of £70m for any individual target.
A heavily incentivised deal is seen as a way to reach a breakthrough, with the German club repeatedly refusing to alter their expectations regarding Sancho.
Dortmund have also set a deadline of August 10 to get any deal done, despite the window remaining open until October 5.
Solskjaer wants his business concluded swiftly in a bid to build on the momentum created since the return from lockdown.
He saw his preparations for this season disrupted by protracted negotiations for Harry Maguire and the deals to offload Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
He also had to start the campaign without a striker or attacking midfielder, having to wait until January to bring in Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo.
He wants more than just Fernandes as he attempts to mount dual challenges for the Premier League title and European success.
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is also a target, while a new centre-back could also be on the agenda, depending on who leaves during the current window.
