Solskjaer to delay striker search to 'prioritise' Sancho signing

Manchester United will delay their search for a striker in order to ‘prioritise’ the signing of Jadon Sancho, following the news the club has agreed an extension to Odion Ighalo’s loan deal at Old Trafford.

Sancho has emerged as the club’s number one target following another stand-out season for Borussia Dortmund, the winger hitting a hat-trick in Sunday’s 6-1 victory over Paderborn to take his tally to 17 goals and 16 assists in the Bundesliga so far this season.

Several of Europe’s elite clubs are reported to have been monitoring the 20-year-old, but it Manchester United who are believed to have shown the greatest interest and head the queue of potential suitors.

Jadon Sancho has scored his first senior career hat-trick for Borussia Dortmund.

27 games. 17 goals. 16 assists.

There's no stopping him. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OHMjwXaUbd

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 31, 2020

United are prepared to spend significantly this summer despite the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with the London Evening Standard reporting the club are now ready to ‘prioritise’ the signing of Sancho, alongside pursuing potential deals for Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Leicester’s James Maddison.

A leading forward is still in Solskjaer’s thoughts as he seeks a long-term replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who left to join Inter Milan last summer, though the news of Ighalo’s extension means the Norwegian is prepared to wait to land a number nine, with the report saying Erling Haaland, Timo Werner, Moussa Dembele and Harry Kane are all on Solskjaer’s ‘wanted list’.

Ighalo arrived on a short-term deal from Shanghai Shenhua in January and has impressed in his brief time with the Red Devils, scoring four times in just eight appearances in all competitions. The extension to his deal will see the former Watford forward remain in Manchester until January 2021.

The experienced Nigerian international adds to a list of attacking options that also includes Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, whilst Solskjaer is also keen to continue the development of highly-rated teenager Mason Greenwood.

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has already withdrawn £140 million in credit to add to the clubs £90m cash reserves to help fund this summer’s spend, though it must also help cover the shortfall in revenue due to the ongoing pandemic

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