According to reports, Premier League side Man United are in the race to land Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey. Old Trafford have identified Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho as their marquee signing for next season, but they have failed to reach any headway in the pursuit of the England international.
According to several reports Dortmund are holding out for over £100m for the winger. While the Red Devils are adamant, they will not meet that demand due to the financial impact of the Covid19 outbreak. Leaving the two sides in somewhat of a stand-off over a potential mega transfer.
With an agreement proving tricky to reach, the Daily Mail state that United have held discussions about switching their attention to Bailey, who is understood to be valued at closer to the £40m mark.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left impressed by scouting reports he received about Bailey and his ability to play with both feet. The manager believes he could be deployed on either wing or even as a central attacking midfielder according to the need of the team.
His reduced value has made United see Bailey as a more cost-effective option than Sancho. Going for the Jamaican he would free up more money to be spent on landing other targets like Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Birmingham City’s Jude Bellingham.
The Claret and Blue army’s captain is expected to make the move to Old Trafford irrespective of Villa Premier League status. Should Villa suffer relegation from the Premier League, it will lower the asking price for Grealish. A scenario that will suit the transfer budget of Man Utd.
Bailey, 22, is expected to lead The Reggae Boyz in their quest to qualify for the next world cup in 2022. Their first appearance since 1998.