Manchester United are expecting a quiet month in the January transfer market, but there is an acceptance at Old Trafford that Jadon Sancho has to move on.
It’s approaching four months since Sancho last played after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, during which the £73million winger has been training and eating alone at Carrington.
Finding a new club won’t be easy but Confidential understands that meetings took place in Germany on Thursday between Borussia Dortmund and representatives of their winger Donyell Malen that may have ramifications for Sancho.
Malen has been linked with a move to Old Trafford that could see Sancho return to his old club, two-and-a-half years after leaving Dortmund. Juventus and Barcelona could also offer him an escape route from United.
Malen is a client of Sports Entertainment Group, run by Ten Hag’s agent Kees Vos, which has been involved in a number of transfers involving United players. The 24-year-old would also be a direct replacement for Sancho on the right wing.
Jadon Sancho’s Manchester United nightmare could finally come to an end in January
The winger could return to Borussia Dortmund, where he enjoyed a successful four years
Dortmund’s Donyell Malen has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as Sancho exits
It’s felt that the only way Sancho will stay at United is if Ten Hag is sacked as the Dutchman approaches a crucial run of games.
Even if Ten Hag survives, it remains to be seen what impact the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe would have on his future – and SEG’s influence at United – in the long run.
Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek is likely to be on his way to Germany in January with Eintracht Frankfurt interested in a loan move for the Dutch midfielder who has made only two appearances off the bench for United this season.
United are more likely to sign players in the summer as they prioritise a striker and centre-back, although the possibility of a January deal cannot be ruled out.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney – who returns from his ban for betting in mid-January – Timo Werner of Leipzig and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy are among the forwards being considered, while possible centre-back targets include Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice.
PR transfer for Rashford
Marcus Rashford has signed up with the same public relations firm that represents Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane.
While that…