Alexis Sanchez draws blank in behind-closed-doors friendly as Man Utd ‘demand Inter Milan pay more’ to secure loan
ALEXIS SANCHEZ drew a blank in a behind-closed-doors friendly as Manchester United's demands threatened to block his move to Inter Milan.
The former Arsenal star has been in talks with the Italian club over a season-long loan switch to the San Siro this month.
In the meantime United arranged a private match against Sheffield United in an attempt to help him build up his fitness levels.
Sanchez, 30, missed the entire pre-season programme as he worked his way back to fitness following injury.
That has left the Chilean in the wilderness at Old Trafford, unable to stake a claim for a role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first team plans because he is not match fit.
Building up his conditioning was one of the major reasons behind United organising the Blades game, played at their Aon Training Centre on Tuesday.
Solskjaer needs to get the 30-year-old to a position where he shows he could either compete for a first team role, or that he is fit enough for a club to sign him this month.
INCREASED FEE
Inter are leading the clubs interested in securing a deal, which would see the former Barcelona star move to Serie A for the season.
Initially United were thought to be asking for a £13.7million loan fee as well as the Italians meeting half his £505,000-a-week wages.
But suggest United have now increased the fee they are asking for, and also for a higher proportion of his wages to be met by Inter.
Further talks are said to have been scheduled for Thursday as Inter try to push through the deal before the transfer window closes next week.
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Sanchez, who has scored just five times in 45 games since joining United last January, played his part in a friendly team made up of fringe first team players and under-23s.
But he failed to find the net, even though United ran out 3-1 winners against a Blades team including former Red Devil Ravel Morrison.
United's goals were scored by Andreas Pereira, Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes.