Leon Bailey Not Focusing on Exit Talk Amid Manchester United, Liverpool Rumours

Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey has said he is focused on his current club amid links to the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

Bailey has been one of the stars of the Bundesliga season in 2017-18, providing a dynamic and incisive threat on the flanks for Leverkusen. Naturally, speculation about his next move has started to gather pace, and the 20-year-old has had his say on what he thinks the future holds, per ESPN FC.

"At this moment, I can't really say which particular league I want to touch," he said. "I want to play at the highest level with a team that is going to compete to win trophies. At this moment, there's a lot been said, but I'm not so focused on that. For me, I just want the best for myself and my family and whatever the future brings, then I'm ready to accept the challenge."

As noted in the report, Premier League giants like United and Liverpool have been tipped as possible suitors for Bailey during the campaign.

The Jamaican youth international moved to Leverkusen in January 2017, and after finding his feet in the second half of last season, he has really kicked on in the current one.

Squawka Football broke down what has been a year to remember for the youngster:

Bailey has typically been stationed on the left flank for the Bundesliga outfit, and as a left-footed player, he's provided excellent balance to the team.

Still, under manager Heiko Herrlich, he's also been gifted freedom to roam from the wing into dangerous positions. When he does pick up the ball in those pockets, as his figures from this season illustrate, Bailey has tended to make an impact.

TF-Images/Getty Images

His influence extends beyond the numbers he tots up. The Leverkusen No. 9 is a release valve for the team when they're under pressure, as his blistering pace and strong running make Bayer a big threat on the counter-attack.

As noted by Scouted Football, while there are undoubtedly areas in which Bailey could improve, there have been some comparisons made between him and some of the world's leading wide players:

"

We've compared his pace to Leroy Sané before - a comparison which grows with every performance.

Bailey's very difficult to defend effectively. Pinpoints space and sears into it; few defenders can handle it. Propensity for low percentage (long) shots potentially an issue.

 pic.twitter.com/TOTNoJmNs7

— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) February 18, 2018"

Leverkusen have had a tough week, as they were hammered by Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals and then by Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. They sit in fourth in the German top flight but face a battle with Hoffenheim over the final three games to secure a UEFA Champions League berth.

It's imperative they do, as the club will be looking to keep together an exciting core of young players for the foreseeable future. If they don't make it into Europe's top-tier club competition, it will be easier for more illustrious teams to tempt that talent away.

Another season with Leverkusen and playing in the Champions League would benefit Bailey. But if Bayer slip out of the reckoning, clubs interested in the winger will surely circle with extra intent.