As Sir Alex Ferguson might say, it’s squeaky bum time.
Manchester United are on a collision course with Borussia Dortmund as the battle for Jadon Sancho’s signature heats up.
The Mirror and The Star report United are set to offer £90 million, of which £75 million will be up front.
Forbes journalist Sam Pilger also added that United are ‘determined’ to close the deal.
Our initial reaction to the reports is detailed here, and in short, we believe United face an uphill task to convince Dortmund to sell at this price, below their £108 million valuation.
United’s best hope is if Sancho agitates for a move and hands in a transfer request.
Optimistic
We asked the question on social media, if this was a bid which had a chance of working.
There were not too many positive responses, with supporters sceptical that Dortmund will accept an offer below their valuation.
However, £90 million is still a substantial fee, and there was some optimism that United’s offer could be successful.
No chance
On the other hand, there was far more pessimism, with United fans fearing the bid will just be too late, and too small.
Dortmund still have Sancho under contract until 2023 and there will still be big interest in him next summer.
There are likely to be rival bidders too next year, and Dortmund will probably get their full valuation then, even more.
A number of responses suggested United’s plan is doomed to fail…
United playing games
Others believe United’s latest bid is merely for show, to try and save face.
£90 million is an offer which United know is big enough to make the club look ambitious, but still low enough that it will probably be rejected.
This at least will enable the club to turn around and say they tried, before turning to cheaper targets.
The bid has not yet gone in, with the reports saying it will be submitted next week.
So this one will run and run, with the small mercy of the deadline on October 5 putting an end to the speculation one way or another, at least until January.
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