Manchester United's attempt to sell Jadon Sancho has reportedly hit a frustrating "stumbling block."
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano in an article for GiveMeSport, two Serie A clubs have shown interest but don't want to meet Sancho's wage demands.
"Juventus have called in recent days to be informed on deal conditions, while Napoli had a meeting with his camp but both clubs are not willing to pay his entire salary as it is considered too high," Romano reports. "This is the real issue, as sources say paying a £25m transfer fee would not be a problem for Italian sides, but the salary is seen as a stumbling block."
It's becoming a common and frustrating theme for Man United.
The club desperately needs to offload several players this summer, including Sancho, who spent last season on loan at Chelsea. The West London club had an obligation to buy Sancho if they finished above 14th in the Premier League, but despite securing a top-four finish, they opted to pay a £5 million penalty to cancel the transfer.
That just about sums it up.
Jadon Sancho needs to lower wage demands to leave Man United for another top European club
Sancho has to be realistic. His time with United fell well short of expectations, having produced just 15 goal contributions in 58 Premier League appearances. And he didn't fare much better in loan spells with Dortmund or Chelsea.
The fact big European clubs like Juventus and Napoli have shown interest is a massive result for Sancho, but which team will commit to his wage demands?
A move is in everyone's best interests. United need to move on and free up money to reinvest in the squad, while Sancho will benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
But none of that matters if he doesn't give the green light to a move by agreeing to terms over wages.
It hurts that United may have to settle for a £25 million fee after signing the England international for £73 million four years ago. His stock has plummeted over that time, to the point that Chelsea actually paid £5 million not to sign him.
His departure from Old Trafford is inevitable, but this is a frustrating roadblock neither side needs.