Manchester United are reportedly mulling over the possibility of signing Juventus star Federico Bernardeschi, who could be available for £32 million.
According to a report from Italian publication Tuttosport, Manchester United are eyeing a summer swoop for Juventus and Italy winger Federico Bernardeschi, if their attempts to sign Jadon Sancho fail.
It is no secret that Manchester United are pursuing the signing of Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. The Red Devils, for years, have struggled to find a quality right-sided winger. Given the lack of natural wide players in the squad at the moment, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified that as a key area that needs to be strengthened this summer.
To that end, the 20-time English champions have identified Sancho as their primary transfer target. However, there have been doubts over the possibility of the deal getting over the line as Dortmund are unwilling to lower their transfer fee demand of around £100 million, in spite of the prevalent financial conditions at all football clubs.
Hence, Manchester United are keeping their options open, with Federico Bernardeschi emerging as a potential Plan B for the Red Devils.
The 26-year-old Bernardeschi came through the youth ranks at Fiorentina and carved out quite the reputation for himself with the Viola, prompting Juventus to sign him up in the summer of 2017. Since joining the reigning Serie A champions, the Italian international has racked up 94 appearances, producing a return of 9 goals and 12 assists so far.
The 2019-20 campaign has been a difficult one for Bernardeschi, as he has often found himself in and out of the side under Maurizio Sarri. Even while playing, he has been played out of position on quite a few occasions. In 24 games this term, the Italian international has contributed with a paltry return of one goal and one assist each.
This has led to speculations over his future at the club. The aforementioned report claims that the Bianconeri are open to offloading the winger this summer, should an offer in the region of £32 million come along.
Manchester United have now shown an interest in the 24-time capped Italian international, although they will only consider a move for him if they fail to sign Sancho. Bernardeschi is not the only alternative that the Red Devils have lined up, with Schalke’s Rabbi Matondo also under consideration.
It will be interesting to see if this reported interest from Manchester United leads to something substantial in the coming days.
