Jadon Sancho 'could stay at Aston Villa plot' after Borussia Dortmund twist

Jadon Sancho could stay at Aston Villa beyond the end of his loan spell as Unai Emery considers signing him on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a strong loan spell at Villa Park and played a key role in lifting the Europa League after he came off the bench in their 3-0 win against Freiburg.

He is now set to become a free agent when he contract with Man United expires at the end of the month, and Villa could be tempted to extend his stay.

Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Sancho could stay at Villa Park if he lowers his wage demands with a contract offer being considered.

Emery is keen to continue working with the winger, while Villa's financial concerns could see them capitalise on his availability as a free agent.

Could Aston Villa sign Jadon Sancho permanently?

Football Insider revealed in March that Aston Villa are considering signing Sancho permanently and have not ruled out the possibility of offering him a contract.

While the deal had previously been considered unlikely, his availability on a free has increased the possibility, although much will depend on his demands.

Sancho left Chelsea following his loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season after failing to reach an agreement, but Villa are hopeful he could be open to staying.

"It's a tricky one with Jadon Sancho," Brown told Football Insider.

"You can't rule out the possibility he could stay at Aston Villa, because he did play a big role in the squad there, even if not as a regular part of the starting XI.

"Emery clearly wants a bit more from him, but he's worked well since being there and he's available on a free transfer which is always inviting.

"It would have to be on much-reduced terms, Villa aren't going to pay anywhere near the wages he's on at United, and that's why he ended up leaving Chelsea.

"But if he's willing to lower his demands, I don't see any real reason why Villa wouldn't be interested, especially given their financial limitations."

Who else could make a move for Sancho?

Despite considering the possibility of keeping him beyond the end of the season, Aston Villa are not considered the front-runners for Sancho as things stand.

A number of clubs across Europe have been keeping a close eye on his situation, and a return to the Bundesliga is now considered his most likely option.

Brown told Football Insider on 1 June that Sancho could return to Borussia Dortmund, with BVB chiefs keen on luring him in for a third spell a the club.

Despite struggling at Man United, Chelsea and Villa, he has enjoyed plenty of success with Dortmund, first during his permanent stay and then on loan.

Bundesliga football seems to suit the winger better than the Premier League, and he could look to gain regular minutes and reignite his career there.