Man Utd can cause Liverpool more transfer pain and Jadon Sancho is the key

Manchester United could deal Liverpool a second major summer transfer blow if Jadon Sancho seals a move away before the August 30 deadline. Liverpool are working to add at least one player to Arne Slot’s squad in the next two weeks, but United are reportedly circling another of their top targets.

The Reds were in the frame to sign Leny Yoro from Lille, although Real Madrid were considered strong favourites for his signature.

However, United emerged victorious in the race – also involving Paris Saint-Germain – and sealed a £59million deal for the 18-year-old centre-back.

Liverpool remain the only Premier League club that hasn’t recruited this summer, adding to the natural scepticism about how Slot will fare in succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

The Anfield giants’ recent failure to lure Real Sociedad midfield Martin Zubimendi to Merseyside only intensified those concerns after Klopp’s memorable nine-year reign.

But they have since reportedly switched their focus to Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has been identified as Alisson’s future successor.

According to the Mirror, Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with Mamardashvili ahead of a deal that could be worth as much as £40m.

However, United are said to have a long-term interest in the 23-year-old, and Andre Onana still has plenty to prove after a bipolar debut season at Old Trafford.

That’s not all. There is a belief that Mamardashvili would be very open to a United switch if their interest snowballs into something more concrete in the near future.

The 6ft 6in stopper earned praise en masse for his exploits at Euro 2024, playing a crucial role in Georgia’s historic run to the last 16 with a series of awe-inspired saves against Turkey, Czechia, Portugal and Spain.

But the report adds that United will likely be required to add to the £60m they’ve raised through five player sales this summer before adding to their four new arrivals.

In the final two weeks of the window, Sancho represents one of Erik ten Hag’s more likely sources of funds alongside Scott McTominay, Victor Lindelof, Hannibal and Christian Eriksen.

Ten Hag admitted that the 24-year-old was available for Friday’s 1-0 victory against Fulham but opted against including him in his 20-man squad.

The pair have buried the hatchet after their public row last September, which resulted in Sancho’s four-month exile at Carrington before he returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January.

But he is behind Marcus Rashford, Amad, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony in Ten Hag’s wing pecking order, and United will cash in if a suitable offer arrives.

That could ultimately be the key to launching a stunning hijack for another of Liverpool’s top targets. But a central midfielder is strongly expected to be at the top of INEOS’ transfer shortlist when the right opportunity emerges.