Manchester United want to reward youngster Daniel James with a bumper new contract after an impressive breakout season for the club, but haven't closed the door on the possibility of loaning him out next season to get consistent minutes. That's according to a report in The Sun, which claims United want Jadon Sancho to play in James' position if he joins from Borussia Dortmund.
James has only been at United for one season, but already appears set to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old winger signed a five-year contract with a club option for a further year, but will now apparently be offered fresh terms.
He arrived from Swansea with relatively low expectations immediately, as many suspected he would be used as a role player under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But the Welsh speedster hit the ground running and scored on his debut against Chelsea, before going on to start a further 25 Premier League games out of 28.
Man Utd transfer news: United could loan out first-team ace (Image: GETTY)
And as a reward for his impressive form - three goals and six assists in the league - he is expected to be given a significant pay rise.
However, there's a catch in the agreement, because United will apparently open the door for him to go out on loan next year.
United are in the market for attacking reinforcements, and are expected to make a move to sign Dortmund winger Sancho.
If he arrives, as well as Aston Villa's Jack Grealish, the competition for places will be tougher, and as a result United could allow him to go and get game time elsewhere.
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Giving him a long-term target is a clear indication that club chiefs still want James around long-term, but they want Sancho to play on the right if he arrives, according to the Sun.
United are believed to be pressing on with plans to sign a new attacker in the upcoming window despite the financial restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Red Devils have apparently made Grealish their top target ahead of the window, but Sancho continues to be a target.
Dortmund will refuse to let Sancho leave unless they receive a bid of £100million, however, Grealish is seen as a more affordable target.