Man Utd given major Sancho boost as Juventus forced to activate Plan B

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 Dec 2023 11:44 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United's hopes of offloading Jadon Sancho have been boosted after Juventus were told their priority target for January isn't for sale.

The saga continues. Sancho remains in Man Utd exile and, although interest in his services remains high, the reality is that his and his club's financial demands make a deal all but impossible for most teams, including his former side Borussia Dortmund.

More Bundesliga sides in the shape of RB Leipzig and this season's surprise package VfB Stuttgart, who head into the winter break in an incredible third place, have emerged as potential options for the 23-year-old, but it seems his best bet is Italy after a recent twist.

Juventus, despite being on the case very early and having already met with Man Utd representatives to discuss a deal, cooled their interest in the banished winger in recent weeks, instead focusing their attention on domestic talent. The Bianconeri's priority for January was reportedly to sign Domenico Berardi, with Sancho lined up as a Plan B.

The Sassuolo star was already heavily linked with the Old Lady in the summer and was said to be disenchanted that a deal didn't materialise. Despite the reignited interest, it appears as though he will be disappointed yet again.

Berardi not for sale

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Cardinale emphatically dismissed Juventus' interest and said that the 29-year-old is not for sale in January.

“Berardi? I’m not selling him in January, I’ll say that straight away. In January I won’t sell anyone and, based on the opportunities that arise, we will see how to intervene. We listen to everyone and evaluate, but in January we don’t sell important players.”

If Cardinale stays true to his word, Juventus will be forced to look elsewhere to reinforce their struggling attack, which has only scored 24 goals in Serie A this season - Bologna are the only side in the top eight to have scored fewer. It could very well see them shift their attention back towards Jadon Sancho.