Dortmund eye Man Utd flop as Sancho replacement

Memphis Depay could replace Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund if the Englishman joins Manchester United, according to reports in Germany.

Sancho is United’s main target for the summer, after excelling over three years in Germany. And the England winger appears to be on the verge of a move, with the finances of the deal starting to become clearer.

Dortmund are willing to accept an initial fee of around £60m fee for Sancho. They hope that add-ons could take the sum closer to £100m.

Now, United’s hopes of signing Sancho have been boosted further, after Dortmund lined up a replacement. And it’s a familiar face to the Old Trafford faithful.

According to Bild, Dortmund are considering Memphis Depay as a potential replacement for Sancho.

Depay failed to express his true potential in an 18-month spell at Old Trafford. The Dutchman managed just seven goals from 53 appearances.

Ex-PSV star Depay has since rebuilt his career in France with Lyon, but his time there could soon be up. The Ligue 1 side failed to qualify for Europe this season, forcing him to consider his future.

Dortmund could land Depay for around £41m. But before that can happen, they must inform United of their intentions.

That’s because of a clause in the 26-year-old’s contract, which United inserted when selling him in January 2017. The Red Devils do not have first refusal on Depay, but must be told if another club is bidding for him, in case they want to buy him back.

That has never really been touted as a possibility, despite Depay’s success since his exit. And if the Dutchman is the key to unlocking the deal for Sancho, United are unlikely to object.

The move would be bad news for Arsenal, who had identified Depay as someone who could replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang if the Gabon striker leaves.