Harry Diamond
Manchester United have cooled their interest in Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho with the club’s focus on additions at centre-back and centre-forward this summer.
Sancho was linked with a move to the Red Devils throughout last summer’s transfer window with the winger the club’s number one target, but Dortmund’s demand for a British transfer-record fee and the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic led to the window’s closure without a big-money bid made.
United were expected to renew their interest in the England international this summer and reports have suggested that Dortmund would be more willing to sanction his sale, the cost of the pandemic and threat of missing out on Champions League qualification leading the German side to soften their stance on the 20-year-old’s valuation.
However, according to The Athletic, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have cooled their interest in the youngster with the club’s summer recruitment drive focussed elsewhere.
United are set to take a cautious approach to the summer market given the impact of the pandemic and with centre-back and centre-forward being prioritised there appears little room in the budget for a move for Sancho.
Mason Greenwood – who signed a new long-term contract last week – is viewed as one player who can solve the club’s problem position on the right, whilst both Daniel James and winter window signing Amad Diallo are alternative options.
United have struggled defensively this season and finding a suitable partner to Harry Maguire is high on the club’s agenda, with Victor Lindelof having failed to convince and Eric Bailly suffering from ongoing fitness issues.
The signing of a new striker is also amongst the Red Devils’ priorities, last season’s leading scorer Anthony Martial having endured a hugely disappointing campaign and no decision yet to be made on the future of Edinson Cavani with the veteran’s one-year deal set to expire in the summer.
Reports last week linked United with a move for Erling Haaland, though the Borussia Dortmund forward would cost a record-breaking fee and will have several suitors amongst Europe’s leading clubs.
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