Jadon Sancho 'not heading for Al Ettifaq before Saudi transfer deadline'

Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho is reportedly not heading for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ettifaq before the transfer deadline despite the recent speculation.

The 23-year-old's future is currently being called into question due to his recent war of words with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.

Sancho was not a part of the Man United squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal, with Ten Hag revealing after the match that the England international had not been selected due to his disappointing performance levels in training.

The attacker quickly responded via social media, claiming that he had been made "a scapegoat", which has created a tense situation between the two parties.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are able to sign new players before the end of play on Thursday, and Al Ettifaq have recently been credited with an interest in Sancho.

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Al Ettifaq are managed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, and the Saudi Pro League side have also managed to bring the likes of Moussa Dembele, Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray to the club this summer.

There have been claims that Gerrard's side have been working on a possible loan deal for the Englishman, who is said to be open to making the move to Saudi Arabia.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sancho will not be joining Al Ettifaq in the final hours of the Saudi Arabia transfer window.

Man United had, according to the Daily Mail, been open to letting the attacker join the Saudi outfit on loan, but they wanted an obligation to buy to be included in the agreement.

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The report claims that the Red Devils wanted Gerrard's team to commit to paying £50m for Sancho next summer, but the club could not afford to agree to those terms.

Sancho made a positive impression for Man United during pre-season and was trialled as a false nine, but his three appearances this season have all come off the bench.

Ten Hag's side were believed to be willing to listen to offers of around £45m for the former Manchester City youngster over the summer, but the club did not receive any concrete bids.

Sancho has only scored 12 goals in 82 appearances for Man United since his high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer if 2021, in addition to contributing six assists.

The forward has another three years left to run on his contract, but his position at Old Trafford is now unclear due to his seemingly strained relationship with Ten Hag.