Utd 'line up Bernardeschi as fall-back option if they fail to sign Sancho'

Manchester United have made enquiries about Juventus midfielder Federico Bernardeschi with officials ready to make an offer should they fail to sign Jadon Sancho from Dortmund, reports claim.

The club are seeking a new winger next season to provide support to the likes of Marcus Rashford and English star Sancho certainly fits the bill as an exciting young talent who is capturing the attention of many clubs.

But with his Bundesliga side sure to be demanding a hefty fee for one of the most coveted stars out there, Italian outlet Tuttosport believe United have made the first move for Bernardeschi as a fall-back option in case the Sancho deal can't be completed.

The 26-year-old Italy international, who can play on either wing or behind the striker, is 'coming to a crossroads' at Juventus, the report says, with the star having a 'tactical misunderstanding' and 'lukewarm feeling' with manager Maurizio Sarri. He still has another two years left to run on his current deal.

It adds that Juventus have not responded to the approach from United, and while he is not currently for sale, they should 'take the matter seriously' if the club received a bid higher than £30million.

Bernardeschi is in his third season at the Serie A outfit but this campaign hasn't been his most productive. He has started just nine league games and scored once in all competitions for the Old Lady.

Juventus are blessed with a wealth of options in midfield like Douglas Costa and Cristiano Ronaldo. In addition, Sarri doesn't often play with wingers, which leaves Bernardeschi marginalised.

He has made 94 appearances for Juve, scoring nine times and winning four trophies with the team. He signed from Fiorentina in 2017, where he scored 14 goals in his final season.

Since making his debut for Italy in 2016, he has picked up 24 caps, netting four times. He is the latest player to be linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with fellow Serie A star Kalidou Koulibaly widely touted for a transfer from Napoli.