Erik ten Hag disclosed that Manchester United's representatives have visited Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund to discuss the possibility of his return to Old Trafford next season.
The 24-year-old, who was acquired by the Red Devils for £73m at the start of the 2021-22 season, was loaned back to his former club BVB after a fallout with Ten Hag in September last year.
Sancho and Ten Hag's relationship soured when the player was dropped from the squad for a Premier League encounter against Arsenal. The United boss cited his absence as a result of poor attitude during training sessions.
The winger publicly disputed his manager's reasoning through a social media post, implying dishonesty. While Sancho eventually removed the post, he remained adamant about not apologising to Ten Hag.
Consequently, he was excluded from all first-team activities and confined to solitary training sessions alongside academy players until eventually being sent on loan to the Bundesliga outfit.
© Reuters
Man United in regular contact with Jadon Sancho
In Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg, the England international was one of Dortmund's standout performers in their 1-0 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain.
Following the match, Ten Hag was questioned about the possibility of Sancho's return to the United squad upon issuing an apology and whether the player is under observation at Dortmund.
The United boss responded, "We are close in that process. We are attending games, not just [Wednesday's match]. I won't disclose all the games, but we've watched several Dortmund matches where Jadon showcased his skills. We've had discussions with him, and we intend to continue with this process."
It is believed that John Murtough, along with Matt Hargreaves, the director of player negotiations, were the representatives from the club who journeyed to Dortmund for talks with the player.
When pressed for an answer regarding whether Sancho would need to apologise in order to return to United, Ten Hag responded: "There was a conflict and let's first finish the season. So stay away from this issue now, it is not important."
© Reuters
Sancho's future still undecided
Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl also affirmed the German club's determination to secure Sancho's permanent signing following Saturday's 5-1 win against Augsburg, stating: "His qualities don't need to be described. He has regained his smile in the six months with us."
Kehl added: "We will try everything. But Manchester United also sees how well he is playing at the moment. Maybe they also want to sell him for profit. Or bring him back."
Sancho's time at Man United seemed to be over at the start of the season when he was sent on loan, and it will be interesting to see if the Red Devils are genuinely considering reintegrating him into the side or if they are trying to boost his asking price in an attempt to recoup as much of the original £73m they spent to bring him to Old Trafford as possible.
Under new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United are expected to make wholesale changes in the off-season, although much of their plans rely on their ability to raise funds from the sale of existing players.
Among the players that have been linked with moves away from the club in the summer are Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen and Antony.
The Red Devils will travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League tonight without Harry Maguire, who is out injured, while skipper Bruno Fernandes is a minor doubt.
