Manchester United’s hopes of signing England winger Jadon Sancho has been dealt a severe blow after Borussia Dortmund’s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said the player was “very happy” at the German club and doesn’t want to leave.

United have long identified Sancho as the long-term solution to the problematic right-wing position which has not been adequately filled since Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club in 2009.

Antonio Valencia, Angel di Maria and Memphis Depay have all underwhelmed in that position as the Old Trafford club struggled to replace the Portuguese superstar.

Welsh winger Daniel James is the latest player to fail to leave up to expectations and many believe he is a stop-gap measure until United land Sancho.

Reports suggest United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has earmarked over £100m for a summer capture of Sancho who has scored 14 goals and created another 14 in this season’s Bundesliga.

But it appears the Old Trafford will come up short in their pursuit of the former Manchester City player according to Watzke who believes Sancho remains committed to Dortmund.

“I think he has the feeling that the club does have a good future,” Watzke told BBC Sport.

“In my opinion, I don’t think he wants to leave.”

Watzke, however, admitted it is “not clear what will happen” in the summer with many leading European clubs on the trail of the player.

“We have a very confidential relationship between us and him and his agents,” he added. “We will discuss it.”

Watzke said Dortmund won’t be swayed by the size of any offer for Sancho and that any decision on the players’ future will be based on the best outcome for all parties.

“It’s not a question of money,” said Watzke. “For us, it would be the best position if he stays at Borussia Dortmund.

“We have enough money. We want to have titles. I think this team has a lot more potential with Jadon than without Jadon.”