Manchester United’s Mason Mount has opened up on a recent conversation with England manager Thomas Tuchel, which has reignited hopes of a return to international duty after two and a half years away. The 26-year-old midfielder, who regained his fitness late last season and featured in United’s final 14 games, is eager to secure a more pivotal role at club level to boost his chances of an England recall.

Mount described the call from Tuchel during United’s preseason tour in the United States: “He called me and he said that he’s calling a lot of players and just wanted to catch up. I don’t know how many players he probably called, 40 or 50 maybe. But it was good to see his face, good to catch up with him and good to speak to him.”

Having been a key figure under Tuchel’s management at Chelsea, where he contributed to the club’s Champions League victory, Mount is aware that this does not guarantee his place in the national squad. “He said to me, ‘There’s no guarantees, even though you played for me.’ But it gives you more. You want to push even more to be able to be back in the squad. So it was really good to speak to him and see what he’s preparing.”

Mount also highlighted Tuchel’s enthusiasm for his new England role: “He looked very excited and had loads of energy, like I remember, and was bang up for the new role.”

However, Mount faces stiff competition in midfield for England, with established players like Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Morgan Rogers, as well as others including Jordan Henderson, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Gibbs-White all vying for a spot.

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly in discussions about a potential third signing of Jadon Sancho, a move that could conclude his current stint at Manchester United. Interest from Juventus appeared promising but stalled after the Italian club secured Francisco Conceição permanently and are now awaiting further sales before pursuing additional transfers.

Sky Sport Germany reports that Dortmund officials have been holding confidential talks about re-acquiring Sancho, with Manchester United’s asking price believed to be no more than €20 million (£17.3 million, $23.2 million).

Sancho originally made his name at Dortmund after departing Manchester City’s academy at 17 in search of regular first-team football. He developed into one of world football’s most talked-about wingers, registering an impressive 109 goals and assists between 2018 and 2021. This form prompted Manchester United to invest significantly in bringing him back to the Premier League.

The England international returned to Dortmund on loan during the second half of the 2023–24 season after falling out of favour under then-United boss Erik ten Hag, helping the club reach the Champions League final. The ongoing negotiations suggest he may soon make a permanent return to the Bundesliga club.

Manchester United have honed their striker search to two leading candidates: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. The club is prioritizing the acquisition of a dedicated forward amid ongoing transfer evaluations. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is no longer considered due to Chelsea’s high valuation.

No definitive decision has been made between Watkins and Šeško, with United’s financial capacity, influenced by player sales, shaping their strategy. Although hopes of a Rashford transfer dissipated after his loan move to Barcelona, the club aims to generate around £100 million from the departures of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia.

Aston Villa maintains that Watkins is not for sale despite Arsenal’s £60 million bid earlier in the year. However, United remain optimistic that this stance might soften later in the window, valuing Watkins at approximately £45 million. This figure contrasts sharply with the higher valuation of Šeško, who is also a notable target for Newcastle United.

Newcastle is reportedly the only club advancing serious interest in Šeško, but United believe the player would prefer a move to Old Trafford. Delaying a final decision could be a strategic move as the club assesses its options.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Šeško carries a price tag near €80 million, and he is aware of United’s intent to sign him. The potential acquisition of a new striker introduces uncertainty over Rasmus Højlund’s future, whose limited goal return has prompted the club to explore alternatives. There is speculation about Højlund’s possible return to Serie A.