It's fair to say that it's been a pretty special year for Jadon Sancho.

Having left Manchester City after a dispute over playing time assurances, the 18-year-old winger joined German giants Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and has not looked back since.

Having been unable to break into City's first team, Sancho was thrust straight into Dortmund's upon arrival, and registered five goals and seven assists in 24 appearances.

His performances in the Bundesliga and the Champions League this term have also caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate.

Having also featured for the Three Lions at U16, U17 and U19 level, he was rewarded for his impressive form with a debut against Croatia in October.

And this progression has not gone unnoticed around Europe, with rumours of the continent's elite clubs tracking the youngster coming to light.

Reports in Spain last week claimed that Barcelona are looking to sign him as a replacement for former Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele, who has struggled to adapt to life at the Nou Camp so far.

Elsewhere within the squad, Dortmund are resigned to losing Christian Pulisic in the summer, with Chelsea and Liverpool leading the race to sign the American international.

Pulisic’s contract expires at the end of next season and the chances of a renewal look bleak at the moment. And as a result of the uncertainty surrounding Pulisic, BVB bosses are aware that they need to address the Sancho situation too.

Dortmund are expecting bids this summer and they want to make it clear that they will reject all offers that come their way, in particular ones that come in January.

The winger only signed a new contract with the Black and Yellows until 2022 in October, and BILD have confirmed that there are no exit clauses in his new deal.

Sancho became the first player to be born in the 21st century to play for England in the match against Croatia, and it seems clear that Dortmund want to ensure that his promising future lies with them.

When larger clubs come knocking with big money, though, they will be hard-pressed to retain their stance.