Manchester United are preparing to make signing speedy Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey a priority this summer, according to The Daily Mail.
The 22-year-old Jamaica international has been in good form in the Bundesliga this season, netting five times and providing two assists.
It is the third season in a row he has scored at least five times in Germany’s top-flight following his move from KRC Genk in January 2017.
Featuring predominantly as a left-winger, but also capable of playing on the other flank or upfront, United could well see him as an excellent addition to their squad.
However, The Mail reports that Bailey would cost the Red Devils around £40 million with his Leverkusen contract not expiring until June 2023.
That would still be cheaper than a potential deal for Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish or Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho – who is now expected to stay at the German club.
United are keen to recruit another winger this summer to give manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer more attacking options and his side more bite in the final third.
Bailey would offer support for and compete with the likes of Daniel James and Marcus Rashford if he were to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.
One area of concern is the two red cards he has picked up already this term, although those were the first of his professional career.
The Mail adds that his Champions League experience with Leverkusen would be a huge positive for United, particularly as the coronavirus pandemic will see them with a smaller budget to spend this summer than usual.
The Red Devils currently lie in fifth place in the Premier League with qualification for Europe’s premier club competition still an achievable target – as it is for Leverkusen, who occupy the same position in the Bundesliga.
Getting there might play a part in convincing Bailey to join, unless his current club fails to do so.
