Borussia Dortmund chief gives update on Jadon Sancho talks with Man Utd

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted he is "optimistic" a deal will be struck to re-sign Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United.

The two clubs are talking over a loan deal for the 23-year-old winger, who has struggled to show his best form since his £73m move from Dortmund to United in 2021.

Reports emerged last week suggesting the deal was approaching completion but negotiations have remained open over the weekend, with further updates suggesting there is not yet an agreement over a loan fee and various other financial details.

Asked for an update during Dortmund's training camp, Watzke confirmed the ball is in United's court.

"The issue is no longer with us," he told reporters. "We are in good communication with Manchester United. I am cautiously optimistic.

"We want to bring [Sancho] over, but we are not yet at the point where we can announce results."

Sancho made his name at Dortmund following his departure from Manchester City in 2017 and his return of 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 games turned him into one of the most in-demand talents in world football.

United pursued Sancho for what felt like an eternity before striking a deal in 2021 for a whopping £73m, but the winger has managed just 12 goals and six assists in the 82 games following his arrival at Old Trafford.

Sancho started the first three games of the current campaign on the bench before being dropped altogether for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, after which manager Erik ten Hag accused him of poor training standards.

That claim was publicly shot down by Sancho on social media and, despite pleas from teammates to resolve the situation, Sancho has rejected the chance to try to rebuild a relationship with Ten Hag and is now expected to depart for Germany.

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