Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has cast doubt on Chelsea's intent to make Jadon Sancho's move permanent. The winger made the switch to Chelsea on loan on deadline day last August, when it was said that the deal would require them to buy Sancho for £25million this summer.

The agreement was believed to be dependent on the condition that Enzo Maresca's side finish 14th or higher in the Premier League this season. Currently positioned fourth, Chelsea appear certain to hit that trigger, but recent reports suggest they could opt out by paying United £5m in compensation instead.

Former Red Devils keeper Foster, who played at Old Trafford from 2005 to 2010, suspects Chelsea will pay the lesser fee and avoid taking on a player who hasn't had the best season at Stamford Bridge. He also expressed his view that Sancho's wages could be the biggest problem preventing his departure from United.

"I would be very surprised if Chelsea took up that option (to buy him) and paid the money," Foster said on his Fozcast podcast. "He's been okay this season, but Jadon Sancho hasn't ripped up any trees. If he did rip up trees, £25million is a snip in today's market.

"But I think he's started 17 games for Chelsea in the Premier League this season and only got two goals and four assists. It's not what you want and it's not enough really. He probably is going to go back to Man United and Chelsea are going to have to pay £5million to send a player back.

"The problem is the wages are £200,000 a week apparently, so he's going to go back to Manchester United, and he's probably going to do something similar to what he's done at Chelsea. He'll start off the games and he'll do okay, but it's not going to be enough."