Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho appears to be closing in on a big-money move to Manchester United after reportedly agreeing in principle a lucrative five-year contract with the Premier League club.
Sancho is United's primary transfer target, although a transfer fee has yet to be agreed with Dortmund, who are holding out for €120 million (Dh519m). As such, the BBC reported on Monday that the German club have set United a deadline of August 10 to complete the deal to avoid disruption to their pre-season preparations.
While Dortmund are seeking €120m, Sky Sports have claimed the Bundesliga outfit are prepared to accept less money up front and receive the rest in instalments and bonus-related fees.
As the two clubs remain engaged in negotiations over a transfer fee, The Sun has claimed Sancho is ready to sign a five-year contract with United worth around €240,000 per week.
The imminent exit of Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez - and his €555,000-a-week wages - to Inter Milan, where he spent the past season on loan, will help free up United's wage budget. Sancho is also expected to take over the famous No 7 jersey from Sanchez.
Sancho, who joined Dortmund from United's rivals Manchester City in 2017, has emerged as one of the most highly-regarded footballers in Europe. Last season, the 20-year-old winger produced 17 goals and 17 assists over 32 Bundesliga games.
United great Ryan Giggs believes his former club should do all they can to sign Sancho this summer - as well as Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
"Sancho is quick, direct but also an intelligent player," Giggs told the Webby and O'Neill YouTube channel. "What I like about him is when he gets into those areas with the final ball, he doesn't panic. A lot of quick wide players sometimes do but he picks out the right pass.
"He's someone who can counter-attack if we're going to play that but also if a team are going to sit back, he can beat players and make things happen.
"They are two signings that may be available and if we're able to get them, I would go and get them."
In July, Dortmund beat United to the signing of Birmingham City teenager Jude Bellingham, and in January completed a deal for Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, with whom United were also strongly linked.
