A surprise new club has entered the race to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United before transfer deadline day, according to a new report.
Sancho was not named in United's matchday squad for their opening day 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.
That fuelled speculation that he would exit the club, despite being reintegrated into the first team during pre-season after a public dispute with manager Erik ten Hag.
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According to The Athletic, United are expecting fellow Premier League side Chelsea to make a bid for Sancho this week - despite the Blues desperately trying to cut down their own squad.
But they are still making signings, with the most recent being the arrival of Joao Felix on Tuesday.
However, another club could join the race to agree a deal for Sancho.
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According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are considering a move for the 24-year-old as a backup option if they can't get a deal over the line for Juventus star Federico Chiesa.
Earlier this week, Goal claimed that Barca boss Hansi Flick had personally requested that the club bring in Marcus Rashford from United.
The German is keen to bring in a striker that can dribble and shoot, and believes Rashford to be the ideal option.
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But Barca are currently having their own registration issues, as they cannot register new signing Dani Olmo following his summer arrival from RB Leipzig.
As far as Sancho goes, it is claimed that a minimum fee of €40 million could be enough to tempt United to sell after a difficult 12 months at Old Trafford.
The England winger helped loan side Borussia Dortmund to get to the Champions League final last season which may aid United in selling Sancho - if that is the route they go down - but it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag still has plans for him.
Topics: Manchester United, Jadon Sancho, Premier League, Football, Transfers
Ryan Smart