Jadon Sancho remains Man Utd ‘top transfer target’ despite Lionel Messi being on the market this summer

JADON SANCHO is still Manchester United’s top transfer target this summer, despite Lionel Messi being on the market.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Co have been relentlessly pursuing Borussia Dortmund ace Sancho, 20, since July.

Jadon Sancho is still Man Utd’s top target despite Messi becoming availableCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Lionel Messi stunned the world by announcing he wants to quit BarcelonaCredit: AFP

And they are still hopeful of completing a deal despite missing the August 10 deadline set by the German giants.

Many believed United would give up on Sancho – especially after Messi shocked the footballing world by revealing he wanted to quit Barcelona.

But the Red Devils are still as determined as ever to complete a deal for £108million-rated Sancho.

Rivals Manchester City are the clear favourites to sign Messi, with the Argentine ace reuniting with Pep Guardiola.

Messi is even said to have contacted his former boss, begging him to save him from his Barcelona hell after a horror few months at the Nou Camp.

Reports claim Man Utd are in a position where they can afford Messi, despite his £1m-a-week wages.

But at the age of 33, arguably the greatest footballer of all time does not fit Solskjaer’s long-term plan.

And the Norwegian will stand firm in his pursuit of Sancho – whose pre-season at Dortmund is well underway.

United stumbled in their early hunt for the England winger as they were unwilling to pay the £108m in one lump sum.

Instead, Man Utd attempted to convince Dortmund to part with Sancho for around £60m to £70m up front, with the rest paid in instalments.

Despite being laughed-off by the Bundesliga side, United are said to be “comfortable” with their position.

Being the only club in world football able to afford Sancho – due to the financial effects of the coronavirus lockdown – means they don’t risk being gazumped by another club.

And reports claim they believe Dortmund will reconsider their original offer before the transfer window shuts on October 5.

Sancho himself is said to be “happy” in Germany and is expected to spend at least one more season at the club.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk