Jadon Sancho joins Chelsea as Man Utd forward escapes Old Trafford nightmare on loan deal ahead of cut-price permanent switch next summer

Chelsea had been linked with the winger in recent weeks as they looked to further strengthen their attacking options under new coach Enzo Maresca. Talks between Chelsea and United stepped up on Friday and the Blues had until 1am (BST) to complete the move following the submission of a deal sheet before the 11pm deadline.

Sancho has joined the Stamford Bridge club on a season-long loan but the Blues have an obligation to buy him on a permanent basis next summer for a fee in the region of £20 million (€23m/$26m) to £25m (€29m/$32m), depending on Chelsea’s performance this season, as GOAL understands. The England international will then commit to a long-term contract with the London club.

Earlier in the summer window, Sancho had been linked with a move to Juventus and reportedly even came to an agreement with the Italian team, even though Chelsea was said to be his preferred option.

There appeared to be a chance for the 24-year-old to play a role under Erik ten Hag at United despite the pair's public falling out last season which resulted in him being banished from the team and loaned out to Borussia Dortmund in January. However, after a brief appearance in the Community Shield loss to Manchester City, he was left out of the squad for the first two Premier League matches of the season as a transfer became more likely.

The former Dortmund star's transfer puts an end to a nightmare spell at Old Trafford. He will hope to settle in quickly at Stamford Bridge and compete for a place in Maresca's starting XI. Chelsea will be next seen in action on Sunday as they take on Crystal Palace in a Premier League fixture.