Europe: United Prepare £90m Take It Or Leave It Bid For Sancho

Reports are circulating in the UK that Manchester United are preparing a £90m take it or leave it final bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.

It’s no secret that the 20 year-old Englishman has been the club’s top transfer target since the end of last season.

The bid will comprise £75m up front, with a further £15m to follow as add-ons. Dortmund remain adamant they won’t take any less than £108m for the player, but United still think they can close the deal at lower than the Bundesliga club’s asking price.

We should find out the answer after the weekend when United formally present their offer.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward who has come in for continual criticism from United fans and those unconnected to the club alike, for his repeated failures to close transfer deals, will inform Dortmund there will be no negotiating over the fee or structure of the deal.

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There is a feeling, not without reason, United have been played in the transfer-market in the past and the club’s hierarchy seems now determined to revoke that trend. But at what cost, as they continually miss out on targets, while other clubs get their business done early? The current example of Chelsea provides the starkest contrast to United’s misfortunes.

With the 5 October deadline fast approaching, United have not yet triggered interest in other potential targets, still feeling confident of getting the deal over the line.

Old Trafford chiefs see £90million as a ‘generous’ fee in light of the far-reaching financial losses the coronavirus pandemic has caused across the footballing world.

Though the late offer is a gamble, Woodward is convinced he can avoid drawn-out talks and break the transfer deadlock with an incisive bid.

And although Dortmund boss Lucien Favre believes the transfer saga has finished, United’s offer may cause upheaval at Westfalenstadion next week.

Telles & Romero

United have also been linked with Porto’s Brazilian left-back Alex Telles, but won’t meet the Portuguese club’s valuation of the player at £18.3m. The player himself concurs that Porto’s asking price is inflated, especially as he becomes a free agent next summer. United’s valuation is somewhere around the £12m mark.

Solskjaer would like to see a greater attacking threat from left-back. Telles registered 11 goals (he takes penalties) and 8 assists for Porto last season.

This is one that is likely to go to the wire on deadline day.

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And Sergio Romero could be headed away from Manchester, but not too far, with Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton showing keen interest, reports The Sun.

Romero (33) wants out after the return to the club of Dean Henderson from Sheffield United, relegating the Argentinian to third choice.

Jordan Pickford (26) has come under fire recently at Goodison, and Ancelotti would see Romero as viable competition for the England ‘keeper. Aston Villa had also expressed interest, but that was before Dean Smith splashed out £17m for Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal. Valencia and AC Milan have reportedly been keeping tabs as well.

Romero has one year left on his contract and could command a fee in the region of £6m.