Exit clause threatens to end Man Utd’s hopes of cheap Sancho alternative

Schalke winger, Rabbi Matondo, who has been linked with Manchester United, has a €60million in his contract applying to English clubs.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly earmarked a winger as a top priority for the upcoming transfer window, with Jadon Sancho widely believed to be his top target.

Previous reports suggested that former Cardiff and Manchester City prospect Matondo is being eyed as a cheaper, back-up option if a move for the Borussia Dortmund star fails.

It was claimed that Matondo would be brought in as a “low-risk” buy, similar to the approach that saw Daniel James arrive at Old Trafford from Swansea last summer.

However, the Manchester Evening News claims that Matondo had a €60million release clause inserted into the contract that took him to the Bundesliga from Manchester City last January.

That clause reportedly applies to all English clubs except City, who – as per their own buy-back clause in the deal – can sign Matondo for €46.5million.

The newspaper adds that United still believe they can sign Matondo for a lower fee and have not yet cooled their interest in the youngster.

The Wales international started his career in Cardiff’s youth ranks before moving to City and then Schalke.

read also:Dortmund to accept reduced fees for Chelsea target Sancho

The 19-year-old has started eight Bundesliga games this season and played in the second half of his side’s 4-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund last weekend.

In other news, Bayern Munich could battle United for Sancho in the upcoming transfer window after the emergence of an enquiry from the German club before football across Europe was shut down.