Aston Villa are reportedly open to making Jadon Sancho's loan move permanent this summer, but the Manchester United outcast has his sights set firmly on a romantic return to a former club.

Sancho's exit from Old Trafford is a foregone conclusion. His high-profile £73 million move in 2021 never ignited, culminating in a public fallout with manager Erik ten Hag and subsequent loan spells to rediscover his form.

After a brief and ultimately fruitless return to Borussia Dortmund last season, and a quiet stint at Chelsea, Sancho landed at Villa Park. While he's shown flashes of the dazzling wing play that made him a star in Germany, consistency has remained elusive in the Premier League.

With United ready to release him as a free agent, a summer decision looms. Villa, impressed by glimpses of his talent, are willing to discuss a deal, but only on financially sensible terms.

However, the player's heart appears to be elsewhere. According to reports, Sancho is prioritising a dream return to Borussia Dortmund, where he enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career. The Bundesliga club's hierarchy is also said to be keen on a reunion.

For any move to materialise, especially to Dortmund, Sancho will likely need to adjust his substantial wage demands. While several clubs are circling for a free agent of his pedigree, the pull of Signal Iduna Park, where he once terrorised defences, seems to be the strongest force in this transfer saga.