CHELSEA have been handed a transfer boost as Jadon Sancho reportedly prefers a move “back home to London” – putting a £100million Manchester United deal in doubt.
The Blues and United have been keeping a close eye on the England winger who was spotted back in training ahead of Bundesliga’s planned return.
Sancho has been outstanding for Borussia Dortmund this season, with 17 goals and 19 assists in all competitions and was valued at over £100m before the coronavirus pandemic.
United are still favourites to land the winger but are determined not to break the bank for the England starlet’s signature.
But they face competition with Chelsea.
The Blues’ fight to land the 20-year-old is boosted by the fact he grew up in Kennington, London and was a boyhood fan of the West London club.
Italian sports journalist Gabriele Marcotti, revealed that a source close to him claimed that Sancho would favour a move back to his roots in the English capital.
He told BTP Media Network: “I’ve been told Sancho would prefer a move back home in other words to London where he grew up.
“But equally I’m sure he prefers a move for wherever gives him the best package and long term prospects.
“Obviously he has leverage and in normal conditions a United move would have happened but I think if I’m Borussia Dortmund, I’ve taken a big hit and ideally I’d want to keep him another year.
“Let him play the Euros, see if his value goes up but if they can get the price that they’re looking for and United you presume can pay it.
“United get a mention there because they seem to be well equipped but I genuinely don’t know.”
Following the coronavirus crisis the prospect of the Red Devils splashing crazy sums on Sancho is unrealistic with Old Trafford chief Ed Woodward ruling out mega-bucks transfer in the summer.
United are said to be keen not to spend more than the £89m they splashed on Paul Pogba, with any deal for Sancho for less than £86m seen as a good result.
Paul Ince gave the Blues a boost by warning the former Manchester City starlet to consider if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right man to turn him into a world star.
Stamford Bridge winger Callum Hudson-Odoi recently revealed he would “love it” if Sancho snubbed United and came to West London instead.
The 19-year-old hopes his side can pip their Manchester rivals for his close pal’s signature.
But Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also both interested, with the Catalans offering Dortmund Ansu Fati in return.
