Two Manchester United players, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, are at the centre of a complicated game of transfer chess involving Serie A side Juventus.
The two United wingers are both expected to be sold this summer after off-pitch issues cost them both their places in the United squad.
Juve have been linked with both in recent weeks, Greenwood on a permanent deal and Sancho on loan, and there are updates on both today, with one now seemingly affecting the other.
The Old Lady are rebuilding their squad for new manager Thiago Motta and have already captured Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa.
Next on the list appears to be wingers, with Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi top of the list.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the German club are pushing for at least €30 million (£25m) for the 22 year old because “Dortmund would like to try to get Jadon Sancho back permanently with Adeyemi’s money.”
Sancho then appears to be plan B for the left wing slot, with Juve sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli “also in line for Sancho, even if only for the loan.” However, plan A looks promising for United, as if Dortmund indeed receive €30 million toward the purchase of the United star, it could seal his permanent switch back to the Bundesliga side.
Juve’s interest in a loan for Sancho has been corroborated by transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, who claims that “Juve remain in close contact with Sancho’s entourage” but would “only act on a loan”.
Meanwhile on the Bianconeri’s right wing, Greenwood remains top priority, but the Turin club are adamant they will not pay United’s asking price of €40 million (£34m) for him.
The outlet says Juve are “waiting until the traffic and requests of the Red Devils (€40 million) become more humane. Otherwise they will look elsewhere.”
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Atletico’s Alvaro Morata are mentioned.
But the complicated puzzle being built by the Italians does not stop there. The fundraising required for the project includes the sale of Federico Chiesa, “considered expendable by Thiago Motta”.
They expect to receive €30 million (£25m) for him and credit Bayern Munich with an interest, “but pay attention to Manchester United and the possible connections with Greenwood or Sancho.”
In truth, there have been few reports from the English media of any United interest in Chiesa so an exchange, or part exchange, is perhaps wishful thinking on Juve’s part. Likewise, United are keen to sell Sancho rather than loan him as they themselves need to raise funds and £34 million for a player of Greenwood’s quality is hardly inhumane.
On the other hand, the unprecedented lack of money available for transfers throughout Europe means that loans and player exchanges are likely to be commonplace this summer, which could ultimately play into Juventus’ hands with regard to United’s two talented wingers.
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