Sancho is happy to stay at Dortmund, say his team-mates
Jadon Sancho’s team-mates are understood to be convinced he will remain at Borussia Dortmund for one more year following his involvement in pre-season training.
Sancho, 20, is wanted by Manchester United but there has been no agreement over a fee as Dortmund stick to their £108million valuation, with the England forward integrated back into Lucien Favre’s squad and playing a prominent role in training sessions.
Favre has used Sancho in his first-choice forward line – along with Erling Haaland and Thorgan Hazard – during sessions of shape and team formation work in his preparations for 2020-21.
Sancho is open to a Premier League return three years after his move from Manchester City for £8million, yet he has told his Dortmund team-mates he is willing to wait another season if a deal does not materialise before the transfer deadline in just over six weeks.
With no breakthrough over a fee between United and Dortmund, Sancho could have agitated for a move on his return to pre-season training, but there have been no signs of him looking to force his way out at the Westfalenstadion.
He was disciplined by Dortmund last season after being late back from international duty and also accused of not being focused by Favre, yet he has concentrated on the new season since returning to action, despite having the transfer saga hanging over him.
Favre started him against Rheinlille dorf Altach and he also played a half against Austria Vienna in preseason friendlies ahead of the Bundesliga campaign, which starts on Sept 18.
Dortmund had wanted any deal done before Favre had his players back in pre-season, to give their coach the maximum time to work with the players for next season.
That deadline, 10 days ago, has passed but United have privately insisted they would not be held to a certain date. There is confidence that Dortmund would listen to a suitable offer.
Both clubs have been involved in transfer battles for players this year, with Dortmund winning the race for Haaland, who was wanted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They also landed Jude Bellingham from Birmingham after United had tried to persuade the teenager to join them.
Despite being among the heavier spenders in Europe, Dortmund have insisted they will not sell for less than their valuation. United have discussed the structure of the deal and the number of instalments with the German club, but have not reached an agreement.
Sancho has a hectic two years ahead, with the European Championships at the end of the season, then the World Cup in 2022.
United have been looking to make him their big summer signing, while maintaining their recent shift in policy of targeting younger and hungry, often homegrown, talent rather than marquee signings.