Liverpool and Chelsea are among a host of top European clubs that have joined the race alongside Manchester United for Genk wizard Leon Bailey.
The Daily Mail have reported that Liverpool and Chelsea are among a host of other top European clubs interested in Genk wing wizard Leon Bailey. The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. But the Red Devils are likely to have their work cut out now, with so many clubs vying for the Jamaican.
The Kingston-born lad joined KRC Genk in August 2015 in a small money move from AS Trencin but has since taken the Belgian Pro League by storm with his electric pace, mazy dribbles and outrageous displays. The 19-year-old already has 8 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season, impressive numbers for a winger.
Bailey is predominantly a left winger and has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. Jose Mourinho has been planning a squad overhaul at Old Trafford and the Portuguese boss was seeking an addition of a winger, with Memphis Depay failing to impress and set to be on his way out.
The 19-year-old himself admitted that he could be interested in a move to the Red Devils but only if he is promised regular first-team action. Genk chief also said that they are likely to let the player go if they receive bids in the region of £20 million.
And now a host of clubs have joined the queue for Bailey. The likes of Everton, Bournemouth, Olympique Lyonnais, OGC Nice, AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen have all been credited with interest in the player’s services. But what jumps out is the entry of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to sign Bailey.
Liverpool are looking to delve into the market for an attacker with Klopp limited in the number of quality options in the attacking three. A winger as prolific as Bailey would lessen the burden of scoring from the shoulders of the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Also, Coutinho has been linked with a move away from Anfield and Bailey could provide an able option to replace the Brazilian at the left side of the front three. Chelsea, on the other hand, would be looking to deploy the player in the wing-back position.
Conte has the wingback duo of Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses at his disposal but the lack of cover has been troubling the Italian. Bailey is equally adept on either wing but his ability to carry out the defensive duties is a big question mark.
But the news of Leverkusen and Roma being ready to launch bids around the asking price of £20 million has forced Liverpool and Chelsea into action, who are also ready to move for the 19-year-old. There has, however, been no update from Manchester United’s camp.
It would be interesting to see if the Red Devils are also called into action, especially with Depay having one foot out of Old Trafford already. But even if they do decide to move for the winger, they will have to beat a lot of other suitors to land the 19-year-old.
Bailey has earlier said that he would only consider moving to a club that offers him regular first-team action which may give the lesser clubs more of an advantage over the trio of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.