Manchester City have identified Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey as Leroy Sane’s replacement, according to reports in the English media.

Scouts from a number of English clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and the Citizens have been keeping a watchful eye on the Jamaican over the last couple of years.

However, it appears City will be the team most willing to meet Leverkusen’s £40m valuation as they plan for life without Sane.

The German international has just one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and, with Bayern Munich circling, his departure is looking increasingly likely.

Bailey is a couple of years younger than Sane and he generally plays as a conventional winger on the left flank, much like the City star.

This season, the 22-year-old has scored seven goals and laid on one assist in 24 appearances for his club, although the Jamaican international’s campaign has been hampered by injuries and suspensions.