Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho is reportedly keen to leave the club at the earliest opportunity after clear-the-air talks with Erik ten Hag failed to yield a positive solution.
The 23-year-old and his manager have become embroiled in an off-field storm during the international break, which was sparked by Sancho's omission from the Red Devils' squad against Arsenal earlier this month.
When questioned on the Englishman's absence after the match, Ten Hag claimed that Sancho's performances in training had left a lot to be desired, but the winger refuted the Dutchman's comments.
In a striking social media statement, Sancho alleged that he was being made a "scapegoat" and claimed that he had been putting in the hard yards in training, as well as suggesting that there were other reasons for his exile.
Since his public spat with Ten Hag, Sancho's long-term future has been plunged into doubt, although a possible loan move to Al Ettifaq broke down before the Saudi Arabia window slammed shut.
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With Sancho not being called up for England duty, the Daily Star claims that the former Borussia Dortmund man recently held crunch talks with Ten Hag, but their relationship is now irrevocable.
The report states that a "lack of trust" between the two is preventing their bond from being repaired, and Sancho is pining for an exit from Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old would likely depart on loan for the second half of the campaign before making his stay permanent in the summer of 2024, and he is not expected to be short of options in spite of his dismal two years in Manchester.
While clubs in Saudi Arabia are expected to remain attentive to the situation, it is unclear if Al Ettifaq will rekindle their pursuit, having withdrawn their interest after refusing to commit to a £50m obligation to buy.
Sancho's former club Dortmund - who received £73m for his sale in 2021 - are thought to be willing to bring the England international back to the Bundesliga, as are reigning champions Bayern Munich.
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Before leaving for Man United, Sancho came up with 38 goals and 51 assists in 104 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, but he has just 12 goals and six assists to show from 82 games in a Red Devils jersey.
Sancho directly contributed to 10 goals in 38 matches last season - seven of his own and three assists - but he also took an extended leave of absence in order to recover from physical and mental struggles.
The former Manchester City youth product had made three successive substitute appearances in 2023-24 before being left out against Arsenal, where Antony started on the right flank.
However, the Brazilian is also taking time out from the squad in order to address allegations of domestic abuse made against him by three women, which he vehemently denies.
With Amad Diallo also out injured and Mason Greenwood - who is not expected to play for the club again - on loan at Getafe, Ten Hag is down to the bare bones at right-wing, with Facundo Pellistri and Shola Shoretire being his only options if Sancho is not brought back in from the cold.
Ben Knapton
