Borussia Dortmund are reportedly considering making a fresh attempt to re-sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United in January.
After departing Manchester City's academy for the Westfalenstadion, Sancho established a reputation as one of the most in-demand youngsters in Europe at a club renowned for their development of young players.
The 23-year-old had a direct hand in 114 goals in 137 matches for BVB - 50 of his own and 64 assists - before Man United won the heated battle to sign him in a £73m deal two years ago.
However, Sancho has struggled to adapt to life back in his homeland, managing only 12 goals and six assists in 82 games for the Red Devils and finding himself on the fringes of Erik ten Hag's squad.
Tensions between player and manager then reached boiling point after Sancho was left out of the squad for last weekend's defeat to Arsenal - a decision that Ten Hag revealed was due to his mediocre performances in training.
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The Dutchman supposedly hoped that by going public, Sancho would rise to the challenge and produce better displays at Carrington, but instead, the England international lashed out at his manager on social media.
Alongside labelling himself a "scapegoat" and affirming that his performances in training were up to scratch, Sancho claimed that there were "other reasons" for his omission, which he refused to elaborate on.
The winger's outburst has naturally led to speculation that he could be exiled from the squad entirely, but a proposed loan move to Al Ettifaq broke down after the Saudi Arabian side opted against committing to a £50m obligation for a permanent deal.
Now, The Sun reports that Dortmund are prepared to offer him the chance to reignite his career back in the Bundesliga, and Edin Terzic's side plan to make a move for their former player in January.
Dortmund supposedly tried to sign Sancho on loan during the most recent winter transfer window, and while their advances were rebuffed by Man United, they remain attentive to the situation.
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However, even if Dortmund were successful in tempting Sancho back to the Bundesliga, Man United would demand that the German club cover a large portion of his £300,000-a-week salary.
With Sancho nowhere to be seen at the Emirates, Antony and Marcus Rashford started in the wide areas, as Alejandro Garnacho, Hannibal Mejbri, Daniel Gore and Facundo Pellistri made the bench.
The Englishman - who has not played for his country for nearly two years - took a lengthy hiatus last season in order to overcome physical and mental problems, spending time in the Netherlands undertaking individual work.
Having guided him through his rough patch, though, Ten Hag allegedly feels let down at Sancho's failure to impress in training, and the Dutchman would have had no qualms about letting him leave in the summer.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag is still said to harbour hope that Sancho's Old Trafford career can be revived, as he believes the ongoing saga has been blown out of proportion.
Ben Knapton
