Manchester United make progress on Jadon Sancho deal, Depay and Barcelona agree personal terms

Manchester United have made a "breakthrough" in negotiations to sign Jadon Sancho, but the fee for the forward remains the issue, according to reports. 

Just last month, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc insisted Sancho was staying put, and the decision was final. United have continued to try to prize the England international from the Bundesliga side, but various stumbling blocks have frustrated them. 

However, agents fees and personal terms are now not thought to be a problem. Good progress has been made on all sides to overcome the issues.

Sancho is keen to move to Old Trafford before the Oct. 5 deadline and a deal now hinges on United finding a compromise with Dortmund over his price tag.

The German side value Sancho at €120 million -- a fee United believe is "unrealistic" during a global pandemic.

That does not mean a deal is close to completion, though. United remain resolute in not overpaying for a player given the realities of Covid-19. The onus now is on United to try and broker a deal with Dortmund. Sancho is keen and willing to go to United in this transfer window, but the clubs remain apart in their valuation of the 20-year-old. 

Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Lyon's Memphis Depay, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, but talks still are ongoing with the French club over a fee for the forward.

Depay, 26, is out of contract next summer and Lyon sporting director Juninho Pernambucano admitted earlier this week that the player is in a "strong position" if he wants to force an exit.

Barca's top target to strengthen their attack was Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez but with the Argentine commanding a hefty transfer fee, the Catalan club have been forced to look at alternatives.

New coach Ronald Koeman is pressing for Depay, who he coached in his previous role as Netherlands manager. The former Manchester United man is likely to cost between €20-€30 million. However, Barca need to raise money by selling before they can buy. So far, only Ivan Rakitic has left the club joining Sevilla for an initial €1.5m, and more players will have to leave before Barca can think about adding to their squad.

Luis Suarez, Arturo Vidal and Samuel Umtiti are among the big names that have been told they can leave, along with a number of fringe players and those returning from loans.