Jadon Sancho holds the key to Manchester United bargain buy

After a summer in which Manchester United spent £73million on Jadon Sancho to bring artistry to their attacking line, it said so much about the club's misfortunes that one of the finest Old Trafford displays would come from an opposition player they could have signed for €25 million instead.

A year on and United are in the market for a forward this summer with a preference for another, to offset the exodus of attack-minded players who are out of contract next month.

One player of interest to the club is Villarreal star Arnaut Danjuma who will be available for just €45million when his release clause becomes active at the end of the season, a year on from being considered as a Sancho alternative.

READ MORE: Manchester United monitoring Arnaut Danjuma

It is understood United seriously discussed the possibility of signing Danjuma a year ago but were cautious about moving for a player who was, at the time, playing in the Championship.

With 16 goals and four assists in his debut La Liga season, the Dutch winger has begun to prove those doubts wrong, and he represents somewhat of a bargain for any prospective buyer. But for United, there is one problem; he plays on the left wing.

Sources admit that a deal is unlikely given that United are overstocked in that area of the pitch, but those close to the player insist he has much more to his game than an inverted wing role.

Danjuma, 25, actually made 18 appearances as part of a two-pronged attack this season and could well be the versatile solution United need in their forward line, given he could also help alleviate the pressure on Cristiano Ronaldo next season. He also featured in a central striking role for the Netherlands earlier in the year.

Despite his versatility, there