Manchester United are ready to submit an offer for Juventus’ Federico Bernardeschi.
Italian publication Tuttosport have reported the news, claiming the Red Devils would pursue the wide man if something goes wrong with their pursuit of Jadon Sancho.
The Dortmund man has long been a target for United but a report this week claimed they were after Barcelona’s Ansu Fati instead.
Their bid to sign him, however, was rejected, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans now rather up in the air.
Though, if they also fail to sign Sancho, Bernardeschi seems to be a viable option. Juventus haven’t yet responded to the claims but it’s thought they could be willing to part with €35m (£31.1m) in order to sell.
GIVE ME SPORT’S Matt Dawson says...
This would be a considerable step down from the might of Sancho, a player who’s contributed to 40 goals in 40 matches this term.
Bernardeschi is a clever player but his stats don’t amount to much when comparing him to the budding Englishman.
The Italian has just two goal contributions all season and has also predominantly played in a central attacking position. He’s featured there 15 times this season as opposed to five times on the wing.
Though, it is important to bear in mind that Bernardeschi has been compared to a football great during his career – Roberto Baggio.
After scoring twice and creating one for a match for Fiorentina in 2016, he was declared as the heir to Baggio’s throne. However, despite now playing for a better club, his stats have diminished, scoring nine times in 94 outings for the Turin outfit.
A crafty player when he wants to be, this is no plan B to Sancho – there are surely better options out there.