Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has warned Manchester United that they could be taken advantage of as they attempt to agree a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.
The England international has been repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford this season, and a recent report has suggested that the Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old.
However, Souness believes that the manner of United's negotiations could play into Dortmund's hands and lead the Bundesliga outfit to demand a higher fee for the attacker.
In quotes attributed to The Mirror, Souness said: "I don't see it, unless the whole world has changed. I don't think you get into personal terms, length of contract, buy-outs and clauses, until the two clubs have decided on a fee.
"I mean the first thing is that the two clubs come to an agreement, the rest comes second, so I'm not sure that can be correct.
"If you're United and you're doing that, without a deal done with Dortmund, you'll have your trousers taken down when you get round a table with Dortmund.
"Because they know the strength of your offer, they know you're very much up for it, so you're taking away any negotiating power if you go down that road.
"You could do it behind everyone's back, but the facts are in the public domain and the fact that 'someone from Dortmund' is saying that the player spoke to someone from United. I don't see that being a goer, personally.
"The transfer may happen, but I don't see it happening in that chronological way. I think there has to be two clubs to two clubs and then you get down to the nitty gritty."
Sancho has registered 17 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season, and United will reportedly have to fork out £120m for his services.
Ben Knapton
