United’s Sensational Sanchez Swoop Now Rests on Mkhitaryan

Manchester United agree personal terms with Alexis Sanchez

The last few days have seen media speculation focus solely on one man – Alexis Sanchez. The Chile international, whose current Arsenal deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign, was widely expected to make the move to league leaders Manchester City this month. At first, United’s interest in the winger seemed futile, but developments in the past couple of days have seen Pep Guardiola’s side withdraw their interest in Sanchez, whilst Chelsea have turned their attention towards acquiring West Ham United forward Andy Carroll. Now, it seems like a matter of when, rather than if, the Chilean will make the move to Old Trafford.

According to the Daily Mail, Sanchez has already agreed personal terms with United and the move now hinges on whether Henrikh Mkhitaryan can agree terms with the Gunners in order to move in the other direction as part of a player swap. Whilst the Armenian is undoubtedly a hugely talented player, there can be no denying that he has struggled to hit top form at Old Trafford and has fallen down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho. Sanchez, meanwhile, needs no introduction having set the Premier League alight since signing for Arsenal from Spanish giants Barcelona back in 2014. The 29-year-old’s arrival will be a huge boost for United, as they look to close the gap with leaders City and remain in the hunt for Champions League and FA Cup glory. Should this transfer saga come to a close before the weekend, then Sanchez could be in line to make his United debut on Saturday afternoon, when the Reds travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.

Jose Mourinho nearing United contract extension

Mourinho, it appears, has not only been busy trying to complete a sensational swoop for Sanchez, but has also been in negotiations with the United hierarchy over a contract extension that will see the Portuguese remain at the club until 2021. Currently halfway through the three-year deal he signed when taking over from Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2016, Mourinho delivered EFL Cup and Europa League success last campaign and has improved United’s domestic fortunes this term and currently occupy second place in the league table. Should, as reported by the Daily Mail, the former Chelsea boss put pen to paper on a new deal, it would be further confirmation of the 54-year-old’s desire to remain at Old Trafford beyond his current deal, following recent speculation that he had his heart set on taking over French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

United intent on offering David de Gea fresh terms

The boss has also spoken of his desire to retain David de Gea and is intent on getting the Spaniard to extend his contract and commit his future to the Reds. Before offering him fresh terms, however, United intend on triggering a one-year extension clause that they inserted in the stopper’s deal when he last put pen to paper on a new contract, back in September 2015.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson’s loan spell cut short

In the midst of all the Sanchez speculation, few noticed that left-back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, who was on loan at Championship side Leeds United, has had his loan spell at Elland Road cut short in order to return to Old Trafford, following a lack of first-team football. The 20-year-old, who was handed his United debut by former boss Louis van Gaal, impressed for the Reds under the Dutchman but has struggled to win over Mourinho. Whilst Borthwick-Jackson was expected to play a key role in Leeds’ promotion push this season, the Englishman will now return to Old Trafford and it remains to be seen whether he will be left to develop with the Reserves side or be sent out on loan, again.