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BVB won't sell 'below value' as United reportedly pursue Sancho

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Bargain hunters should steer clear of Borussia Dortmund.

Though several of the team's promising young stars have been linked with lucrative moves away from the Westfalenstadion, chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke insists the club will only consider offers that match its valuations for players and won't cave to economic pressures that arise due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I can clearly say that despite the existential crisis (for football), even the richest clubs don't have to believe they can go bargain hunting at Dortmund," Watzke said, according to ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld. "We must not sell anyone below value."

Manchester United have reportedly identified Jadon Sancho - whom Dortmund are said to value at €130 million - as their top target. United emerged last week as leading candidates to sign Sancho ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.

Dortmund are hopeful the three clubs will engage in a bidding war that could drive the price up to around their valuation, Uersfeld notes.

Still, the Bundesliga club isn't completely sold on the idea of parting ways with the 20-year-old once the transfer season begins.

"We've said it before (the coronavirus) already that we favor the idea Jadon stays here," Watzke said. "But, at the end of the day, you also must respect what the player wants."

Manchester City - the England international's former team - will have the right to match any offer accepted by Dortmund as part of their agreement from the sale of Sancho for £8 million (€8.75 million) in 2017.

Sancho scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances this season before the pandemic brought European football to a halt earlier in March.

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