Paul Merson reacts to claims Chelsea could sign Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho

Paul Merson has responded to claims Chelsea could sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United before the transfer window shuts.

Sancho has endured an eventful summer, initially looking like completing a permanent return to Borussia Dortmund after spending the majority of last season on loan at the Bundesliga club.

The 24-year-old was sent back to Dortmund after falling out with Erik ten Hag last season and refusing to apologise to the Manchester United boss.

That looked set to cost him his United career but Sancho was reintegrated into the first-team squad during pre-season, with Ten Hag insisting they had put their problems to bed.

But recent reports claim Manchester United remain open to offloading Sancho before the summer transfer window closes next week.

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have both shown interest in the England international, while Chelsea were linked with a shock move for Sancho last week.

Merson is aware of the speculation linking Sancho to Chelsea but ‘does not see it happening’ and says the Blues should prioritise signing a new goalkeeper and striker before the window shuts.

‘There’s talk of Chelsea wanting to sign Jadon Sancho,’ ex-Arsenal and England winger Merson told Sportskeeda.

‘But honestly, I don’t see that happening. Chelsea don’t need another winger, what they need is a goalkeeper and a centre-forward.’

After publicly welcoming Sancho back to Manchester United, Ten Hag then left the winger out of their opening Premier League game against Fulham last week.

But Ten Hag said Sancho was ‘not 100 per cent fit’ after a recent ear infection so may return to the squad for Saturday’s away match against Brighton.

Brighton impressed in their Premier League opener, beating Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park, and Merson expects them to provide a real test for Manchester United.

Revealing his prediction for the clash, Merson said: ‘Brighton had an amazing result in their opening game against Everton. I actually thought they’d struggle but they proved me wrong.

‘Manchester United also got the job done against Fulham in their season opener, but I feel it’s important not to get carried away with that result. 

At times, Manchester United were sketchy [against Fulham]. It’s true that they got better as the game progressed, but it’s a game they could’ve lost too.

‘Mason Mount could have a big role to play for the Red Devils, if he can stay fit this season. He was one of the most dominant players on the ball at Chelsea, but it hasn’t quite worked out that way at Old Trafford. 

‘I’m actually a big fan of Mount, but he needs a bit of luck to turn this worrying form around. When the going gets tough for Manchester United, he’s usually the first one to come off and he has to work towards changing that.

‘As for the result, I think this could be a draw. Manchester United may not be able to come away with a win here, I’m going for 1-1.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.