Manchester United Identify Harvey Barnes as Jadon Sancho Alternative

05 December 2020 16:15

Manchester United see Leicester forward Harvey Barnes as a possible transfer backup to Jadon Sancho, who was the Red Devils' number one target in the summer.

Despite months of speculation, ultimately no deal for Sancho was struck during the last window and the winger stayed put in Germany as Dortmund held firm on their asking price of around £108m.

While United could reignite their interest in Sancho in future windows, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly also looking at alternative options and has been impressed by Barnes, who has dazzled at times in the Premier League for Leicester.

Jadon Sancho has long been a Manchester United target | Pool/Getty Images

According to The Sun, Leicester value the 22-year-old winger at around £60m. While a big price tag, that figure would make him a cheaper prospect than Sancho - though less prolific and high-profile.

Despite United's reported interest, it is said that Leicester are unwilling to let any key players leave the King Power in January, making any prospect of a deal for Barnes highly unlikely to occur before the summer at least.

The wide forward has featured 65 times for Leicester in the league, while he has scored five times in 15 outings in 2020/21, as well as making his international debut in England's 3-0 victory over Wales in October.

The Foxes star would not feel out of place at Old Trafford, having previously played with Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who has openly praised the winger's ability.