Despite boasting a purchase obligation as part of their loan deal, Chelsea may not be obliged to sign Jadon Sancho after all, according to a report. The former England international joined the Blues last summer after being banished from Manchester United by Erik ten Hag.

Sancho was singled out by Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Monday as the INEOS boss admitted the Red Devils had to pay off another chunk of Sancho’s £73m transfer fee this summer following his move from Dortmund.

JADON SANCHO could return to Manchester United next season – despite Chelsea having an obligation to buy the forward. The United winger, 24, is currently on a season-long loan at Stamford

A loophole in Chelsea's loan agreement over Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho means the Englishman could still return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, a report has claimed.

Manchester United may have been sweating at the prospect of yet another player instantly rediscovering their best form post-exit during Jadon Sancho's start to life at Chelsea. The 24-year-old looked liberated as he provided assists in three consecutive games against Bournemouth, West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion.

After his relationship with the previous United manager, Erik ten Hag broke down last season, Sancho headed to Chelsea on a season-long loan.

Chelsea could yet decline the option of turning Jadon Sancho’s loan move from Manchester United into a permanent deal, according to Mail Sport. Sancho left Old Trafford last summer, with a deal agreed where so long as the Blues finish 14th or higher in the Premier League,

The very latest Chelsea transfer news and gossip - with an update on Jadon Sancho as well as a new winger being of interest to the Blues.