Chelsea’s push to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has been boosted by Juventus’ decision to withdraw from the race.
Sancho could leave United before Friday’s transfer deadline despite being welcomed back into the first-team squad by manager Erik ten Hag.
Chelsea have indicated an interest in signing Sancho but would like to include a player in any deal. Raheem Sterling would be their preferred bargaining chip but, while United are believed to be open to such a swap, the Englishman may need sizeable compensation to abandon his £325,000-a-week contract.
Juventus have also been chasing Sancho on an initial loan deal as they seek to replace Federico Chiesa following his switch to Liverpool, but reports from Italian publication Gianluca Di Marzio say that the Serie A side have put negotiations over Sancho on hold.
The cost of signing Sancho, who is one of United’s highest earners, is too much for Juventus, who have opted to withdraw from proceedings and instead put their faith in Belgian starlet Samuel Mbangula, who is threatening to be this season’s break-out star with a return of one goal and three assists from the 20-year-old’s first two Serie A games.
That leaves Chelsea as the leading suitors for Sancho’s signature, and Sky Sports state a deal is close to being agreed with United.
The format of a potential move to Stamford Bridge has yet to be agreed, with both permanent and loan options still being discussed.
Chelsea may need to sell a player before finalising a move for Sancho, but talks over Sterling’s departure appear to have hit a wall.