Borussia Dortmund ‘begin talks with Lille midfielder Jonathan Ikone as Jadon Sancho replacement’

Borussia Dortmund have started up talks with Lille for Jonathan Ikone with the Bundesliga side preparing for the departure of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, according to reports.

Man United have been trying to secure the services of Sancho — who has scored 30 goals in 78 Bundesliga appearances since moving to Germany from Manchester City in 2017 — for no more than £50million.

Dortmund are open to selling a player but want more than £90m to conclude a deal for a player who still has two years to run on his contract at Signal Iduna Park.

Borussia Dortmund have started up talks with Lille for France international Jonathan Ikone

The Bundesliga side are preparing for life after Jadon Sancho who could join Man United

But The Times report that the Bundesliga runners-up have initiated discussions for France attacking midfielder Ikone, who Lille value at £41m, less than half of Dortmund’s asking price for Sancho. 

The 22-year-old left-footed attacker broke into the French national team in September last year, after signing from Paris Saint-Germain for £4.6m in July 2018.

He scored four goals and provided seven assists for Ligue 1 side Lille from 36 appearances before the season in France was cancelled due to the coronavirus. 

Meanwhile, the same report adds that Dortmund have repeatedly informed United they do not intend on selling Sancho – who is understood to have already agreed personal terms with United – for a discounted fee. 

 Lille value the 22-year-old left-footed attacked at £41million, less than half of Sancho’s value

Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over the budget available to Ed Woodward to sign Sancho

But Sancho is believed to have agreed personal terms with Manchester United already

Moreover, there remains significant uncertainty over the budget available to Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to sign him.

The report claims United have also expressed an interest in Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, with the out-of-favour French winger having failed to make an impact at the Nou Camp since his £95m move three years go.

Recent reports had also suggested United were interested in signing Dembele’s compatriot Kingsley Coman.

But other reports emerging from Germany over the weekend stated Bayern Munich had ruled out selling the 24-year-old. 

United are also believed to have expressed interest in Barcelona flop Ousmane Dembele

Reports also stated United had also been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Kingsley Coman