Manchester United are reportedly hopeful of beating their rivals to sign Genk teenager Leon Bailey.

The 19-year-old attacker is said to have attracted interest from numerous clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool following an impressive 18 months.

According to ESPN, United have stepped up their pursuit of Bailey after sending chief scout Jim Lawlor to watch the teen in Genk's 3-1 win over Sassuolo in the Europa League.

Lawlor is also understood to have been in the stadium to see Bailey score twice in a 3-2 defeat to Rapid Vienna.