Jadon Sancho’s high-calibre performances for Borussia Dortmund could yet force out Donyell Malen from the club.
The Englishman’s in-form teammate could be used as a makeweight in a potential swap deal that would see the ex-Manchester United man stay put in Germany.
That said, Edin Terzic’s men won’t be short of suitors for the 25-year-old right-sided attacker.
“Jadon Sancho is getting better and better. Most recently he scored against Bremen and Eindhoven. The club looked up old data from the archives to compare Sancho’s stats from his first time at Dortmund. His training plan will then be adjusted,” Christian Falk shared in his exclusive Fact Files column.
“Sports director Sebastian Kehl is very happy with Sancho. That’s why he wants to talk to Manchester United in May. The goal: another loan.
“But there is also a plan B: Donyell Malen is currently playing in his best form since he joined Dortmund. Manchester United are interested in him. Dortmund would give him away. A swap deal would be possible.
“Good for Dortmund: Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC are also interested in the Dutchman.”
Malen is enjoying a superb run in the German top-flight in recent weeks, registering eight goal contributions in his last seven league games.
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Could Sancho return to Manchester United?
It seems highly unlikely at this stage – barring the emergence of a very public apology to Erik ten Hag – that Sancho will restore his career at Old Trafford.
That said, given how a return to Germany has rejuvenated a flagging career, the 23-year-old may very well feel content with the idea of staying put.
Perhaps only a change of manager in Manchester could tempt Sancho into a different way of thinking at this stage.