United in Lemar link after snub from Bale

MANCHESTER United are reportedly considering a move for France international Thomas Lemar after failing to secure the transfer of Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.

The left winger – a key figure in AS Monaco’s unexpected run to the last four of the Champions League – has been priced at €60million by the Ligue 1 champions.

Lemar, who has been aggressively pursued by Arsenal for the duration of the summer transfer window, was added to Jose Mourinho’s list of attacking targets as Internazionale continue to price Ivan Perisic out of a move to the English Premier League.

At 21, the Frenchman would be less expensive in terms of salary and command superior potential resale value than the 28-year-old Perisic.

Lemar scored 14 goals and was credited with 17 assists in his 55 appearances for Monaco last season.

The Guadeloupe-born forward is capable of playing anywhere across the second line of attack, a tactically important area of Mourinho’s teams.

United unsuccessfully explored the possibility of exploiting Cristiano Ronaldo’s publicly-stated desire to leave Spain to bring the World Player of the Year back to Manchester, then found Bale unavailable.

Chelsea stonewalled Mourinho’s attempts to bring his former player Willian north, refusing to allow the Brazil international to reunite with a coach he has repeatedly expressed an admiration for. “There were a few conversations with my agent,” said Willian earlier this month. “But nothing happened because Chelsea would not negotiate me in any way and I’m very happy at Chelsea.”

Meanwhile, Usain Bolt will be prevented from achieving his lifelong dream of playing for Manchester United by the hamstring injury sustained in his farewell race.

United Legends take on their Barcelona counterparts at Old Trafford on September 2 in a charity match, raising money for the Manchester United Foundation and its work in the local community.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Denis Irwin and Dwight Yorke are among those signed up for the Bryan Robsonmanaged Red Devils, who had hoped to be able to call upon the fastest man in history.

Bolt has long dreamed of playing at Old Trafford and was finally set to get that chance if he was able to overcome the hamstring injury sustained at the World Championships in his final race.

However, the retired sprinter will not be able to line up for the Legends following a scan on the injury sustained in Saturday’s 4x100 metres relay.