Jadon Sancho’s potential move to Manchester United has long been muted since his exceptional exploits in Germany propelled him into the spotlight.
But with Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke recently stating his belief that Sancho will stay put and reiterating his refusal to budge from their £100million valuation, the 20-year-old England ace may no longer be a viable option for the Red Devils.
With the impact of coronavirus expected to tighten the purse strings, Manchester United VAVEL take a look at five alternative options that could solve United’s long-standing right-wing problem.
Cengiz Under
The diminutive Turk has built a strong reputation at Roma since his move in the summer of 2017.
He wasn’t enjoying his best run of form this season before play was halted after only registering three goals in all competitions but his goal contributions in the three previous campaigns illustrate his potential.
At only 22-years-old Under possesses the potential to develop into a World Class operator and Roma’s current position outside of the Champions League places could mean they’d be willing to do a deal at a reduced price.
Calvin Stengs
Stengs might not be a household name outside of his native Netherlands but the AZ Alkmaar man certainly caught the eye this season.
His ten goals and twelve assists in all competitions fired Alkmaar into the Europa League last 32 and the Eredivisie title race before the campaign was voided.
The 21-year-old fronted a talented group of youngsters who had come through the AZ youth ranks together and were pushing for the club’s first title since 2009.
Whether Stengs would be ready for the step-up to United is up for debate but at the fraction of the price of Sancho, it might be a risk worth taking.
Federico Chiesa
22-year-old Chiesa has been a mainstay in the Fiorentina side for a number of years now and the club has previously stated that they wouldn’t stand in his way if the right offer is made.
The Express report that the Florence club’s hierarchy values their prized asset at around £60million and his seven goals and five assists so far this season show why.
A move to a top European club has been on the cards for several seasons for the Italian international and with La Viola currently languishing in 13th position in Serie A, this summer could be the prime time to finally make the leap.
David Neres
The former Sao Paulo man was a key player in Ajax’s famous run to the Champions League semi-finals last season before they suffered heartbreak at Tottenham’s hands.
His twelve goals and fifteen assists in all competitions helped the Amsterdam giants to a league and cup double, ending a five-year spell without an Eredivisie title. The 23-year-old Brazilian didn’t feature quite as prominently in the 2019/20 season but still managed six goals in twelve appearances.
Ajax’s business model means they are constantly selling their best players each summer with Hakim Ziyech already sealing his move to Chelsea. It is only a matter of time before Neres follows him out of the exit door.
Adama Traore
For so long it looked as though the former Barcelona man would be another player to never fulfil his vast potential.
That was until the speed demon developed a final ball and eye for goal over the summer and developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous players.
In 28 league games, last season Traore managed just one goal and one assist. In 29 so far in the current campaign he has bagged four goals and notched up seven assists.
His pace and power would provide a natural balance with Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side and form a deadly attacking trio with Anthony Martial.
He may come at a hefty price given Wolves’ favourable financial position but his proven Premier League ability means he’d be a relatively risk-free signing.