Jadon Sancho misses out on last-minute loan move from Manchester United to Al-Ettifaq – Paper Round

Al-Ettifaq came close to a deal to sign Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United, reports the Daily Mail.

“The club managed by Steven Gerrard made a bold attempt for Sancho after the winger had a public fall-out with United manager Erik ten Hag at the weekend.

“Ten Hag said that Sancho had been left out of the squad for United’s trip to Arsenal because he had not trained well during the week, but Sancho immediately questioned his manager’s comments on social media and claimed to be ‘a scapegoat’.

“Ettifaq made their move for Sancho having already signed Jordan Henderson from Liverpool and Demarai Gray from Everton this summer.

“It’s understood that the Saudi Pro League club and United were in contact through intermediaries over Sancho who expressed an interest in moving to the Middle East.”

“Wayne Rooney is a target for Birmingham City if John Eustace leaves the Championship club.

“Rooney, the former Manchester United and England captain, is under consideration as a replacement for Eustace by Birmingham’s new American owners.

“Birmingham are unbeaten so far this season under Eustace, the former midfielder, but US-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL) have discussed making a big-name appointment after completing their takeover in July.

“Telegraph Sport understands that Rooney has been identified as a genuine contender as the club aim for a return to the Premier League next season after a 13-year absence.”

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter was offered the chance to take over from Laurent Blanc at Lyon, but the Mirror says he turned it down.

“Potter was sacked by Chelsea in April after less than seven months in charge, with his ill-fated spell at Stamford Bridge following a highly successful three-year stint at Brighton. The 48-year-old has been out of work since leaving Chelsea and was approached by Lyon’s American owner John Textor to potentially take over at the Ligue 1 club.

“Current boss Laurent Blanc is under huge pressure, with Lyon currently bottom of the league after picking up just one point from their first four games and he is expected to be axed following their 4-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain last weekend.”

Donny van de Beek is wanted by clubs in Turkey, with The Sun reporting that a move could still be arranged in the coming days.

“Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are both interested in signing the Dutch international before their transfer window closes on September 15.

“And The Red Devils would be receptive to an offer after leaving the former Ajax man out of their Champions League squad earlier this month.

“Van de Beek is worried he could suffer a similar fate when names are put forward for the Premier League by clubs next week.

“Erik ten Hag has signed Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat during the transfer window to strengthen his midfield.”