Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are ready to compete with Premier League rivals to sign unsettled Manchester City youngster Jadon Sancho, as reported by The Manchester Evening News. The 17-year-old youngster is rated as one of the most talented youngsters in the country and was named as the best player at the Under-17 European Championship in Croatia.
The teenager expected to join fellow youngsters Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz on City’s pre-season tour to the United States. But, manager Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave him behind did not go down well with Sancho. His future at the Etihad now looks certain to be over after it was reported that the youngster failed to turn up for training on several occasions following the omission.
There was a report in The Telegraph that Sancho, a former Watford prospect, was offered a maiden professional contract on reported terms of £30,000-a-week. Sancho however, harbors strong concerns over his future in the first team at City and wants to move out of the Etihad.
There is interest from the Premier League with Arsenal supposed to be leading the race for his signature. Spurs wanted him to be included in the deal for Kyle Walker although City refused any discussion. Since he is in the final year of his scholarship deal, it can be terminated any time and City would be paid training compensation if he moves to a Premier League rival.
From overseas, Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have registered an interest that would significantly reduce the compensation for City.
United though, believe that Sancho wants to remain in the North-West and a move across from the Etihad to the Old Trafford could appeal to the youngster. The Red Devils are ‘pushing hard to prise away one of the crown jewels from their bitter rivals.
A Major Coup For United
Sancho is one of the hottest young prospects in English football and the left-winger was directly involved in 10 of the 15 goals scored by Steve Coppell’s side in Croatia that finished an agonising second.
If we can convince Sancho to join, it would be a major coup for our Academy. In the recent past, City have moved ahead of United in terms of their academy prospects. The recent overhaul and changes at the academy are the first steps towards bridging that gap.
What do you think? Will Sancho cross the divide and join the Red Devils?
