Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Leon Bailey, Tiemoue Bakayoko

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling could reportedly play a big part in Manchester United's quest to land Genk starlet Leon Bailey, while Barcelona are being linked with transfer target Tiemoue Bakayoko.

According to Anthony Jepson of the Manchester Evening News, Jamaican youngster Bailey has a close connection with Sterling, and the 19-year-old frequently posts updates on his Instagram posing with the man he describes as a big brother:

While Sterling plays for the rival Citizens, the chance to live and work close to his mentor could help the Red Devils in the hunt for a player who is quickly becoming one of the most wanted forwards in all of Europe.

Bailey won Belgium's Young Player of the Year award last season and has started the 2016-17 season in spectacular form. The speedster is scoring regularly both in the Belgian League and UEFA Europa League, where he was voted into the Team of the Week recently.

Per Jepson, a number of clubs are interested in the left-footed winger, but United are believed to be leading the chase. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Last year, Bailey mainly stood out for his ability to cross the ball, but he has added a scoring touch to his arsenal over the summer and has already bagged three goals in two Europa League matches so far.

There's one major roadblock to a deal in the near future, however. As reported by FourFourTwo, the teenager has already declined several opportunities to play for the Jamaican national team, as he's determined to play for Belgium instead.

His desire to play for the other Red Devils isn't exactly a secret, as he said: "My ambitions are bigger than love for my country. Jamaica won't make me better, and scouts don't come to see their games. With Belgium I will develop. I want to play against the best."

DANIEL MIHAILESCU/Getty Images

Bailey joined Genk in 2013 but spent time on loan at Slovakia's Trencin, and he's yet to obtain a Belgian passport. As long as he doesn't, he's unlikely to leave Genk for a foreign club.

Elsewhere, Catalan daily El Mundo Deportivo (h/t the Daily Star's James Benson) reported that Barcelona are keeping an eye on Bakayoko, who has been linked with a host of other top clubs, including the Red Devils.

Per Calciomercato (h/t Benson), Juventus, AC Milan, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion are also keen to add the 22-year-old, who has started the 2016-17 season in great form.

PHILIPPE HUGUEN/Getty Images

The AS Monaco man wasn't a regular starter last season but impressed greatly in the shock 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, the highlight of his campaign so far. The Guardian's Sachin Nakrani has been impressed by the midfielder:

Bakayoko looks like the prototypical holding midfielder, combining a healthy work rate and strong physical skills with solid technique and passing range. The youngster is still raw, but he has impressive tools and long-term potential.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Monaco tend to do a great job of keeping hold of their young talents or selling them for a fee well above their market value, and Bakayoko has the look of a player who would benefit greatly from spending more time in Ligue 1 before making the step up.

A transfer doesn't seem imminent, but given United's need for a strong holding midfielder, don't be surprised if manager Jose Mourinho sanctions a big offer for the youngster.