Will Jadon Sancho join Borussia Dortmund permanently this summer? BVB sporting director addresses club's chances of snapping up Man Utd outcast

Sancho rejoined the club were he made his name on loan last month, having fallen out of favour at Manchester United following a much-publicised feud with manager Erik ten Hag. He's made a fast start in the Bundesliga too, sparking rumours that he could make the switch permanent at the end of the season. However, Kehl admitted that the deal would be a challenging one to complete.

Asked by Sky Sports if there is an option to sign Sancho - as well as fellow Premier League loanee Ian Maatsen - in the summer, Kehl said: "Unfortunately for both players, neither option was really realistic. 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 has featured three times in the league since returning to Dortmund, registering an assist in each of his first two appearances against Darmstadt and FC Koln. He also impressed when his side hosted Bochum last week, before being ruled out of BVB's goalless draw with Heidenheim due to a minor injury.

Despite Dortmund's public stance that signing Sancho is unlikely, it seems almost certain that United will endeavour to sell him this summer, unless Ten Hag is relieved of his managerial duties. For now, the England international will be focussing on inspiring his loan side up the Bundesliga table. Edin Terzic's charges are currently fourth, a startling 15 points off leaders Bayer Leverkusen despite only missing out on the title to Bayern Munich on the final day last term.