Watford could take Manchester City to arbitration for a “loss of opportunity” regarding the sale of Jadon Sancho after allegations that they made an illegal payment to his family. The Times understands that the club have written to the FA asking them to be kept informed about their investigation into whether City made payments to Sancho’s family and his agent, Emeka Obasi, before he left the Watford academy at the age of 14 to move to the Etihad Stadium four years ago.

Watford have not made an independent complaint to the FA but have asked to be kept abreast of developments and any conclusion, as the outcome could affect them. If City’s alleged illegal payments are proven, they would constitute a multiple breach of FA