Man Utd consider shock Leon Bailey move as deadline nears | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly considering a late move for Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, in a deal that would be separate to Marcus Rashford's switch in the other direction.

Rashford is to undergo a medical with Villa ahead of a loan move that will include an option to buy for £40m in the summer.

The 27-year-old has been cast aside by head coach Ruben Amorim, who has been unimpressed by his work ethic and attitude, and his imminent departure opens up the possibility of a new signing arriving at Old Trafford.

Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel remains front and centre of United's attention, The Athletic report, with the Frenchman's future uncertain despite his preference to stay in Germany until the summer.

Tel has turned down the advances of Tottenham Hotspur, who had hoped to sign the 19-year-old on a permanent £50m deal, but he could yet leave the Allianz Arena if United are able to negotiate a loan deal that promises to offer more first-team football.

But Bailey is another name on United's radar. The Jamaican international is a left-footed right winger - the exact opposite to Rashford - and would provide another capable attacking outlet for Amorim to exploit using his patented 3-4-2-1 system.

Mathys Tel is still an active target for Manchester United / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Logic would suggest that were Bailey to arrive, Alejandro Garnacho would almost certainly stay at the club - his attitude and improvement has been praised by Amorim in recent weeks - and operate exclusively on the left side, rather than flitting between the two positions.

Bailey could then support United's breakthrough star, Amad Diallo, on the right, with Bruno Fernandes' role becoming more fluid after Kobbie Mainoo showcased his ability to play further forwaed in the 2-0 Europa League win over FCSB.

It's unclear whether Villa would entertain selling Bailey, but he's not been guaranteed a regular starting gig under Unai Emery this season. In the 29 appearances he's made across all competitions this season, just 18 of those have been as a starter - 13 in the Premier League and five in the Champions League.

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku is once again mooted as another alternative, with his future at Stamford Bridge unclear amid a reluctance from Enzo Maresca to start him over Nicolas Jackson up front.