Manchester United are reportedly considering making an attempt to sign Aston Villa attacker Leon Bailey on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, as the Red Devils looks to bring in a replacement for Marcus Rashford.
Villa are on the verge of announcing the loan signing of Rashford, with the Englishman set to join Unai Emery's side for the second half of the season, while there will allegedly be the option to acquire him on a permanent basis this summer.
Man United are expected to sign a new attacker before Monday night's transfer deadline, with Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel currently being linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
However, according to The Athletic, Bailey is also being considered in a deal separate to Rashford's one, with the Jamaica international potentially available on loan for the second half of the season.
The report claims that the 20-time English champions are yet to enter talks with Villa over Bailey, but he has emerged as a genuine target, with Man United looking for a low-cost option in the final third of the field.
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Man United 'considering move' for Villa's Bailey
Bailey has found it difficult to make his mark for Villa during the 2024-25 campaign, only managing one goal and three assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.
However, the 27-year-old, who has a contract at Villa Park until June 2027, impressed last term, scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions.
Villa are replacing Jhon Duran with Rashford, but head coach Emery has said that the club are planning further signings, with Emiliano Buendia and Diego Carlos also both moving on.
"We are working to try and get some players to join us on Sunday or Monday," said Emery after Saturday's 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. "It is not easy because we don't want to replace with players that will not help us like I want.
"We are being very demanding [but] we have to be intelligent. To sign a striker is not easy. We have versatile players and usually [Ollie] Watkins has been consistent, playing matches. He is strong at recovering and playing matches in a row during a week, two or three matches.
"Today he was injured, hopefully it is minor. The idea is to replace Duran with another striker. If we can find a player to help us at the level we want, we will do, but we have versatile players. We have to compete and try to get the level we want with the players we have and I think we will be adding two or three more players."
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Are any other forwards on Man United's radar?
Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku is also thought to be an option for Man United in the latter stages of the market.
The forward has scored 13 goals and registered four assists in 29 appearances for Chelsea this season, but he has only managed two goals and one assist in 19 outings in the Premier League.
Any deal this month would be a loan, and it is allegedly unrelated to Chelsea's interest in Alejandro Garnacho, with the Blues still exploring a potential deal for the Argentina international before the transfer window closes.
Matt Law
