Man Utd eyeing a move for Schalke prodigy as alternative to Sancho

Premier League giants Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Schalke starlet Rabbi Matondo as a potential back-up option in they fail to land Jadon Sancho, according to reports.

The four-time capped Wales international has impressed in the Bundesliga this season and has been tipped for a return to the Premier League. Reports in Germany claim that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sent scouts to watch over the youngster on a number of occasions this season. 

The former Manchester City youth product followed the footsteps of Sancho in swapping the Etihad for Germany and moved to Germany in 2019 to Schalke.

The young Welshman has scored just once in 12 Bundesliga games this season but Manchester United chiefs believe the Liverpool-born winger is in the same "low-risk, high-reward" category of player, much like Daniel James. 

Another Wales starlet, James was signed from Swansea last summer, initially to serve as back-up to the first-team but has done a more than decent job at Old Trafford. The young winger, who was signed for just £15 million, quickly became a key player under Solskjaer in his youthful revolution.

Matondo is expected to cost a fraction of what Sancho would, with Borussia Dortmund set to demand at least £100m for the England international. Matondo's signing would also help Solskjaer maintain his ethos of focusing on homegrown players. 

So far, the Norwegian has already brought in Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as well as James who are all British players. He is also eyeing a move for another English youth sensation, 16-year-old Jude Bellingham, who is currently at Birmingham. 

Solskjaer is also keeping tabs on young Swansea defender Joe Rodon, 22, to bolster his defensive ranks this summer. 

The Red Devils are expected to make a £20 million bid for the center-back after a recommendation from club legend-turned-Wales boss Ryan Giggs, but face strong competition from Manchester City.

Featured image Credits - Evening Standard