With Chelsea stepping aside after their loan spell, unwilling to meet Sancho’s £300,000-a-week wages, and opting to pay a £5 million penalty to escape a £25 million obligation, United are left with little leverage but a pressing need to sell. The 25-year-old is expected to depart Old Trafford swiftly this summer.

According to TEAMtalk, “Napoli, Milan and Villa [are] all considering moves for him this summer.” These aren’t speculative glances. Napoli are seeking a successor to Kvaratskhelia, Milan are preparing for a potential Leão exit, and Aston Villa are on the hunt for a left-sided forward — especially with Marcus Rashford’s loan nearing its end and his future uncertain.

Sancho’s availability might align perfectly with Aston Villa’s aspirations. After a strong Premier League season and European qualification, Unai Emery’s side want to build smartly, not just splash cash.

“Sources state that Villa… have shown interest in Sancho in recent days.” It is understood there are no advanced talks yet, but interest is real, and the fit — stylistically and strategically — has its merits.

United are undergoing a squad overhaul. Matheus Cunha is already in, Bryan Mbeumo is close, and manager Ruben Amorim wants further reinforcements. That leaves little space — or patience — for a player who fell out of favour long before his Chelsea stint.

TEAMtalk reports, “Man Utd are desperate to sell Sancho as they need player sales to fund a major squad rebuild.” His high wages and the need to refresh the squad make him a prime candidate to be moved quickly.