This archive report was first published on 22 December 2019.
Chelsea's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has reached a critical juncture, with the club reportedly close to agreeing a £120million deal for the 19-year-old English sensation.
According to sources, Chelsea are willing to meet Dortmund's valuation of Sancho, who has been in scintillating form in the Bundesliga this season, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists in just 15 games.
Frank Lampard's Chelsea are eager to bolster their attacking options, having been without Eden Hazard since his departure for Real Madrid last season. The club is prepared to back Lampard in the transfer market, with Roman Abramovich reportedly willing to stump up the funds for Sancho's signature.
Manchester United, who have been courting Sancho for over a year, may be left disappointed as Chelsea appear to be on the verge of securing the deal. Dortmund, however, may be reluctant to lose Sancho in the January transfer window, which could potentially scupper Chelsea's plans.
One possible solution for Chelsea could be to sign Sancho in January and then loan him back to Dortmund for the remainder of the season, a move that would allow them to secure his services while also allowing Dortmund to retain his services for the rest of the campaign.
