Key to Man Utd snatching Liverpool’s first summer move is the Jadon Sancho swap deal

The only Premier League team left without a summer addition is Liverpool, and Jadon Sancho may be instrumental in Manchester United’s attempt to sabotage their first acquisition.

Manchester United’s attempt to thwart Liverpool’s acquisition of Valencia custodian Giorgi Mamardashvili may depend on Jadon Sancho’s future.

Mamardashvili, 23, who was a standout player for Georgia during their journey to the final 16 of the 2024 European Championship, is reportedly on personal terms with Liverpool already.

The signing may mark the first of Arne Slot’s career, but the 6′ 6″ goalkeeper is reportedly still very much keen to go to Old Trafford, according to insiders.

Mamardashvili has long been admired by United, who defeated Fulham 1-0 on Friday night in the Premier League season opening. However, before adding new players, United must reduce their roster.

Additionally, United would have a lot of flexibility if they were to sell 24-year-old winger Sancho, who was sent back to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January following a sour falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.

Sancho’s future is still up in the air. Chelsea is reportedly interested in him, and he’s also been connected to a swap agreement with Paris Saint-Germain that would bring Manuel Ugarte to Old Trafford. Ten Hag emphasised that, despite his absence on Friday night, his ear infection was the main reason he was not included in the team for the Fulham match.

Sancho, who was formerly regarded as one of Europe’s best wide players, has drawn their attention as PSG needs reinforcements out wide since superstar forward Kylian Mbappe has joined Real Madrid.

Mamardashvili, who still has three years left on his La Liga contract, joined Valencia in the summer of 2021 after first joining on loan from Dinamo Tbilisi in his home country.

Meanwhile, Mamardashvili has pleaded with Valencia not to turn down his ideal transfer to Liverpool. The La Liga team is asking £34 million for the 23-year-old, and the Reds have found that to be too high of a price. Liverpool has refused to spend more than £30 million for a package that includes add-ons for a man who will be Alisson’s backup.

In order to complete an agreement, Mamardashvili’s advisors have now pushed Valencia to end the impasse in the negotiations. It is hoped that a deal can be struck whereby Liverpool would provide an initial £30 million in exchange for a modest package of appearance-based bonuses.

Mamardashvili is thought to be the first player signed by new Kop manager Arne Slot. The former stopper for Dinamo Tbilisi performed admirably for Georgia during the Euros, but they were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing 4-1 to Spain.

Caoimhin Kelleher would no longer be needed at Anfield with his arrival, but there is still a lot of interest in the gifted Irishman.