MANCHESTER UNITED have identified Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi as a back-up option if they fail to sign Jadon Sancho this summer, according to reports.
The Red Devils are thought to have asked Juve how much they would have to stump up to land their 26-year-old midfielder.
Tuttosport suggest Borussia Dortmund ace Sancho remains United‘s no1 target but Bernardeschi is Plan B if the English star does not move to Old Trafford.
They report that currently the player is not for sale although if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side were to table a serious offer it would be taken into consideration.
The Serie A champions are understood to be more willing to open negotiations if they receive bids exceeding £31million.
Bernardeschi came through the ranks at Fiorentina and at just 22 was part of Antonio Conte‘s Italy squad that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
The following season the attacking midfielder, aged 23, became the youngest player to hit double figures for Serie A goals.
An impressive return of 11 goals and 4 assists in 32 top-flight matches convinced the Old Lady he was worth splashing £36m on in July 2017.
But things have not gone quite as smoothly in Turin.
He has made 94 appearances in all competitions while at the Allianz Stadium, scoring nine times and assisting 12 goals, but has struggled this season.
With no goals or assists to show from his 18 Serie A appearances in 2019/20, Bernardeschi could be moved on.
Reports of tactical differences with boss Maurizio Sarri – who does not view him as a first choice option – could hasten a move.
Recent speculation suggests £100m-valued Sancho is not fully convinced about a move to United and the club may have to look elsewhere.
Reports from Spain state the Red Devils have failed in an outlandish £89m bid for Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati.
Bernardeschi could be the next best option and if club bosses come in at the right number a deal is there to be done with his Juve future far from certain.
