Manchester United earmark Sancho alternative from LaLiga

Manchester United plan to sign Valencia winger Ferran Torres if they lose the race for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, claims The Athletic.

Sancho is United's No.1 transfer target this summer but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side face stiff competition for the England international.

It has been widely speculated United's pursuit of Sancho hinges on whether they can offer Champions League football, while Chelsea are also hot on their heels.

United are confident of landing Sancho but are aware anything can happen and have earmarked Valencia starlet Torres as an alternative.

Torres has quickly emerged as one of the most sought after young wingers in Europe in recent weeks as club around the continent start to build their summer transfer wishlists.

The 20-year-old has a €100M (£87.2M) release clause in his current Valencia contract but the Spanish side may only be able to command half that fee.

Torres' existing deal is due to expire in the summer of 2021 and Valencia will have to accept a cut-price deal this summer if they can't negotiate new terms.

United will not get a clear run at signing Torres either, as Liverpool and Dortmund are also interested.

Dortmund will move for Torres if Sancho leaves, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wants to beef his attacking options with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane due to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations midway through next season.

Torres has played a direct hand in eight goals in 25 league appearances for Valencia this season but reserved his better displays for the club's Champions League campaign.

In fact, Torres scored or assisted four goals in six appearances for Valencia before they were dumped out of the competition by Atalanta.