Roma shift from Sancho to Chelsea's Tyrique George as deadline nears

AS Roma have largely moved on from a long-standing pursuit of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho and are now focusing on Chelsea teenager Tyrique George, after talks over Sancho stalled this week, according to multiple reports. The shift comes with less than a week to go before the main European transfer deadline and follows face-to-face meetings in London between Roma sporting director Frederic Massara and player representatives.

Italian outlets reported that Massara met Sancho’s camp and concluded the England international was unlikely to accept a move to the Stadio Olimpico, leaving Roma to probe alternatives. Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushed back on the notion that Sancho had formally refused, joking with reporters, "Call him if you have his number," and saying, "Sancho never said no to Roma," while acknowledging the window is short. Massara, however, has publicly questioned whether the right conditions and motivation exist to press on with the transfer.

Manchester United remain keen to move Sancho on, according to transfer journalists, and sources suggest the club would accept a fee in the region of 20 million. United have also warned Sancho’s representatives they...