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Man Utd chief Ed Woodward has Jadon Sancho transfer safety net up sleeve
Manchester United are not giving up on Jadon Sancho just yet despite seeing their opening offer rejected by Borussia Dortmund.
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In many ways, this is vintage Manchester United under Ed Woodward. Several signings required, little progress made and time quickly running out. The clock is ticking and United seem almost certain to miss out on their top target Jadon Sancho.
It's a cruel blow for supporters who have been sold a dream with the player now expected to stay at Borussia Dortmund until at least January.
While a lot can change in a short space of time, United are actively already working on a list of alternatives.
Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele is among the names on the list and the club are looking to bring the World Cup winner in on loan.
His preference is to stay at Barcelona though and he is determined to prove himself following his £135million move from Borussia Dortmund.
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United look set to panic buy one way or another and if they fail with their attempts to land Sancho or Dembele, Ed Woodward has a safety net to fall back on in the form of Ismaila Sarr.
While the transfer window closes on October 5, English clubs will have until October 16 to complete domestic deals.
The rules mean Premier League and EFL clubs can still do business between one another.
With Sarr now in the Championship with Watford, he could be the perfect fallback option.
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United have already lodged an enquiry and touches based with his agent via intermediaries, which suggests there could be movement.
Sarr was one of few shining lights for Watford last season, following their relegation to the Championship.
He put Liverpool to the sword with a brace in February at Vicarage Road to inflict the Reds' first Premier League defeat of the season.
The Premier League champions were interested in a deal but United now appear to be at the front of the queue and Watford are willing to listen to offers.
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Coincidentally, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Dortmund are also looking at Sarr as a potential replacement for Sancho if he leaves the club.
He told the Transfer Podcast: "About Ismaila Sarr, we can absolutely say that the situation with Sarr is linked with Borussia Dortmund.
"As we said, they appreciate him as a possible replacement for Jadon Sancho if not this summer but the next one, they will decide.
"Manchester United have asked for information from Watford, it was two weeks ago.
"They are considering Ismaila Sarr as part of the list, but not the main option."