Manchester United is willing to sacrifice four players in their bid to secure the transfer of Borussia Dortmund forward, Jadon Sancho.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must ditch at least four big stars including Alexis Sanchez, and Jesse Lingard to land on Jadon Sancho signature.
The Red Devils have constantly been on Sancho’s heels for more than a year. However, Solskjaer has been warned by executive Vice-chairman Ed Woodward he must clear the desks and recoup as much cash as possible before he commits to Sancho’s move.
Like most clubs, United has been financially hit as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. With football’s future financial landscape uncertain, United aren’t willing to over-expose themselves with huge outlay on Sancho especially with the uncertainty of when fans will be allowed back into stadiums.
Dortmund wants around £110 million for Sancho-a frightening sum in the current climate. United is desperate to land the 20-year-old who is said to be ready to leave Bundesliga for Premier League after a three-year stay in Germany.
This places United in the red alert. But, Solskjaer will have to slash his wage bill and trim his squad to make room for Sancho.
That’s put £400,000 a week Sanchez in the firing line alongside Lingard, midfielder Andreas Pereira, defender Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
The manager is prepared to offload them. Although, he privately acknowledges a buyer for Chilean flop Sanchez will be a tough task.
The four “sacrificial lamps”
Former Arsenal striker, Alexis Sanchez has been a disaster since his 2018 move from Arsenal. He is currently on loan at Inter Milan.
Jesse Lingard has fallen down the pecking order with Old Trafford coaches surprised how far his performance level has dropped. His transfer value has also plummeted. But United would ask for at least £20 million for the 27-year-old who lost his England position last year.
Pereira, the Brazilian midfielder is under threat as United plans to re-shape the squad for next season.
Moreover, defender Smalling is permanently wanted by Roma. This after a successful season-long loan spell which would guarantee at least a £10 million fee.
United would expect around £15 million for Phil Jones who will leave in the summer.
The four sales would offset some of Sancho’s cost and free up some space for the youngster’s £170,000 weekly wages.