Chelsea set to pay Man United to avoid permanent Jadon Sancho deal

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to pay Manchester United in order to avoid triggering the clause that would make Jadon Sancho’s move to Stamford Bridge permanent.

The on-loan winger made a strong start to life in West London, but his recent dip in form has cast doubt over a long-term stay.

As per the terms of the loan agreement, Chelsea would be obligated to pay up to £25m to sign Sancho permanently if they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League.

However, the deal also includes a clause allowing the Blues to pay a smaller, seven-figure fee to opt out of the permanent transfer.

Sancho has contributed three goals and five assists during his time with Chelsea, but none since January 4.

While he did provide two assists in a UEFA Conference League victory over Heidenheim in November, he failed to register a goal or assist in 83 minutes of action across two knockout games against FC Copenhagen.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Sancho’s future remains up in the air

According to The Sun, Chelsea could pay £5m to walk away from the deal, and are ready to take that option as they look to reshape their attacking options for next season.

The Blues already have Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke, both of whom have seen significant game time this season.

They will also welcome Brazilian prospect Estevão Willian from Palmeiras and Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP.

Chelsea complete the double signing of Sporting midfielders Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo

Furthermore, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who impressed during England’s Under-21 European Championship qualifying campaign.

The same report claims that any deal for Bynoe-Gittens could involve Carney Chukwuemeka going the other way.

The Chelsea midfielder joined Dortmund on loan in January and recently scored his first Bundesliga goal. Dortmund are said to have an option to make his move permanent.

Sancho, who previously shone at Dortmund, returned to form during a loan spell there last season before Chelsea took a gamble on him at the end of the summer window.