Why Manchester United have not signed Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho is still a Borussia Dortmund player with the transfer window open for three more weeks amid talks with Man United.

Manchester United are still some way from reaching an agreement to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

Although United made progress in talks over Sancho's salary and the agent's fees, the MEN understands there is a 'fundamental gap' between both parties that has caused an impasse.

United are also adamant they will not meet Dortmund's €120million valuation in an up-front fee before the transfer window closes on October 5.

Even though the window is open for just three more weeks United are persisting with their efforts to sign Sancho, 20, after they earmarked the right wing as their priority position to strengthen this summer.

United's preference is to negotiate a deal comprised of add-ons for Sancho and they have refused to give up on signing him after Dortmund insisted Sancho would stay at the club. United have been frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations with Obasi and Lichtsteiner, brother of former Juventus and Arsenal defender Stephan. United are also considering alternatives in the event a move for Sancho does not materialise.

United have not been deterred by comments from the Dortmund coach Lucien Favre, who said 'everyone is happy that [Sancho] stayed'.

Despite incessant speculation surrounding Thiago Alcantara, United have no intention of moving for the Bayern Munich midfielder and are convinced his representatives and Bayern are using their name to put pressure on Liverpool to make a bid.

The former Bayern president Uli Hoeness said at the weekend Thiago 'probably has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United, or with both', yet United have just added a similar player in Donny van de Beek to their already impressive midfield department.

Liverpool, in contrast, have only bought left-back Kostas Tsimikas for £11.75m this summer and there has been speculation over the future of midfielder Georgino Wijnaldum, who has entered the last year of his contract.

United could have signed Thiago from Barcelona in 2013 but incoming manager David Moyes vetoed a move in favour of a fruitless pursuit of Cesc Fabregas and Bayern bought Thiago.