Manchester United are confident that they have won the race for Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez and could even complete a deal in the next 24 hours, according to reports.
Sanchez looked destined to join Manchester City – either in this window or at the end of the season when his contract expires – but United have offered the Chilean a far greater financial package to swing the move their way.
City are said to be unwilling to match United’s salary offer and see little value in meeting Arsenal’s £35million valuation for a player that can leave the club for free in six months time.
That’s left the door open for Manchester United and Arsene Wenger wants the matter resolved in the next 48 hours, with the Gunners keen on Bordeaux winger Malcom.
With City out of the picture, United have a clear run at Sanchez and hope to complete a deal by Tuesday, according to the Independent.
Sanchez’s move to Old Trafford will be seen as a huge coup given United believed as recently as last Friday that he was set to join City.
However, United’s willingness to meet Arsenal’s asking price and their desperation to strengthen this window has seen them hijack City’s move.
United host Stoke City at Old Trafford on Monday night and the fixture against the Potters could hold up any announcement about Sanchez’s move.
Mourinho is likely to be quizzed about the Chilean before and after the game but he will be demanding full focus on the fixture, meaning the formalities of Sanchez’s move may have to wait.
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