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Despite Manchester United being able to meet the player’s personal terms, there is so far no agreement between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund over a transfer fee for Jadon Sancho (20).
In fact the Bundesliga club are growing increasingly confident of retaining the player for at least another season.
According to BBC Sport, Manchester United are looking at other targets to secure the signature of the additional wide an Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer requires.
Two names that have been mentioned are Gareth Bale and Croatian international Ivan Perisic. Both are 31 and are unlikely to fit exactly the profile the club has in mind.
In the case of Bale, given his isolation and lack of game time at Real Madrid, and interests in other pursuits, this would be a signing for United that would carry far too much risk. I cannot see the Red Devils being seriously interested.
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But the overall situation again raises doubts over the abilities of those responsible at United for getting these major deals over the line. Chelsea by comparison don’t seem to appear to run into the same difficulties. At least not this close-season. Frank Lampard identified his targets, £200m spent and five signatures later, they have their men!
Dortmund want over £100m for Sancho. United do not feel a deal is possible at that valuation.
The Premier League club are losing about £5m for every match played match at Old Trafford during the coronavirus pandemic.
The transfer window closes on 5 October and their only significant signing so far is Holland midfielder Donny van de Beek form Ajax for $35m.
United are also talking with AS Roma over a deal which would take centre-back Chris Smalling to the Italian club permanently. Smalling, 30 has been on loan at Roma and is reportedly keen to return.