MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a blow in their attempts to offload Jadon Sancho permanently, according to reports.
The English forward, 23, returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan last month after a public spat with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.
He has hit the ground running in his second spell with the Bundesliga giants, assisting two goals in his opening three appearances.
But there is no option to buy clause in the loan deal - and Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has now cast serious doubt over their ability to agree a permanent transfer with Man Utd.
The Dortmund chief was discussing Sancho and Chelsea man Ian Maatsen - who also arrived on loan in the January window - when he admitted keeping the Man Utd forward beyond the summer is looking unlikely.
Speaking to Sky Germany, he said: "Unfortunately for both players, neither option was really realistic.
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"If you know what we got for Jadon Sancho two and a half years ago, then you know also that it might now be very, very difficult.
"We naturally advocated for an option with him - and also with Ian - but the negotiating position was not such that we could implement it and so we will accept it for now."
Sancho joined Man Utd from Dortmund in 2021 for a huge £73million.
But he contributed just 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances for the Premier League giants.
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In September, Ten Hag left Sancho out of his squad for their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, citing his performances in training as the reason behind the decision.
The Man Utd winger hit back by claiming he was being made a "scapegoat", before he was banished from the first team.
And he has not apologised to Ten Hag for the outburst, meaning their relationship remains broken.
Sancho had not played a single minute of football in four months prior to his return to Dortmund.
But it took him just 22 minutes to provide an assist on his second debut.
And Man Utd will hope a positive stint back with Dortmund will enhance his reputation and value in the transfer market ahead of the summer window.
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