Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is preparing a sensational January swoop for Manchester United's exiled winger Jadon Sancho, according to exclusive reports emerging today.
The Spanish tactician, who has transformed Villa into genuine top-four contenders, believes the 23-year-old England international could be the final piece in his Champions League qualification puzzle. Emery views Sancho as potentially available at a cut-price deal following his very public falling out with United boss Erik ten Hag.
Champions League Ambition Could Prove Decisive
Villa's remarkable ascent under Emery sees them currently sitting comfortably in the top four, making Champions League football a genuine possibility next season. This European prospect could give Villa a significant advantage over other potential suitors for Sancho's signature.
The former Borussia Dortmund star has been training away from United's first team since September after a social media post where he claimed he was being made a "scapegoat" at Old Trafford.
Loan Move Makes Financial Sense
Insiders suggest Villa would prefer an initial loan deal with an option to buy, minimizing financial risk while testing how Sancho adapts to Emery's system. The arrangement would also suit United, who remain keen to recoup some of the £73 million they paid for the winger in 2021.
Emery's reputation for improving attacking players, evidenced by his work with Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey, makes Villa an attractive destination for Sancho to rebuild his career and confidence.
Competition Expected for Signature
While Villa appear to be leading the chase, several other clubs are monitoring the situation closely. Juventus have expressed interest, while former club Borussia Dortmund have been linked with a emotional return for the player who scored 50 goals in 137 appearances for them.
However, staying in the Premier League and the prospect of Champions League football with an ambitious project might just give Villa the edge when the transfer window reopens in January.
