Jadon Sancho's representatives and Dortmund have reportedly been left feeling 'bewildered' by Manchester United this transfer window.
According to Sky Sports, the England international wanted to move to United in this summer's transfer window, and was waiting for the Red Devils to stump up the cash.
But United refused to play ball with Dortmund, and instead turned their attention to Edinson Cavani on deadline day. This has left Sancho in a tricky situation because he was expecting to be playing at Old Trafford post-October 5.
Dortmund made it clear early on in the summer that they were not going to be pushovers in the transfer window.
They informed Man United that Sancho would only be allowed to leave if his £108million transfer valuation was met.
The Red Devils considered this too steep in the current market, and planned to wait it out in the hope that Dortmund would come down on their asking price.
Instead, Dortmund doubled down, giving United an August 10 deadline to make an acceptable offer or miss out on snapping up their prized assest.
Manchester United missed the deadline, prompting Dortmund chief Michael Zorc to officially rule out a move in the press.
"We are planning with Sancho," said Zorc. "He'll play for us next season. The decision is final. I think that answers all of the questions."
He added: "Last summer, we adjusted the salary in line with Jadon's performance. In this context, we have extended the contract until 2023."
Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl later doubled down on the club's stance.
He told Sport 1: "We agreed that we had to show a certain attitude. And €80m are simply not enough for such a player. We owed that to the club and the fans. I don't want to give him up either.
"Without Jadon this team is worse."
Kehl also told Ruhr Nachrichten: "Jadon has trained well and professionally. He is happy to play football. Yes, someday he might leave for a new challenge but right now he is happy at Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Dortmund is happy to have him.
"He is here – and he will stay here. It was an important statement from the club because we have a certain responsibility. Without Jadon, this team is worse."
And, in case Dortmund's stance wasn't clear enough, Zorc finally added: "The door is closed, I have said this 27 times!"
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