Manchester United’s James Scanlon could be set to go on loan this summer according to reports.
Already attracting a lot of interest in January from Championship clubs, United’s sister club is also an option.
FC Lausanne-Sport, owned by Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos, have already loaned United’s new signing Enzo Kana-Biyik and could take on more youngsters from United.
Nathan Salt reports that “Lausanne also like James Scanlon so I wouldn’t rule that one out.”
Initial reports suggested Sekou Kone would make the move there but after impressing Ruben Amorim, United may turn to moving Scanlon to their sister club instead.
Incredible academy season
Scanlon is coming off the back of a stellar season in the academy where he finished as the club’s top scorer for the u18s with 21 goals in all competitions, and a further three goals for the u21s.
The Gibraltar international was just as potent in his creativity as his scoring as his 10 assists for the u18s put him behind only Tyler Fletcher.
A well-rounded attacking midfielder who can play wide or centrally, Scanlon has perhaps already outgrown youth football and a loan move could be the next step for the 18 year old.
Already gaining senior experience on the international stage with Gibraltar, Scanlon has scored twice in 14 appearances for the nation of his mother.
Despite Ruben Amorim having a depleted squad at times last season, Scanlon was only named as an unused substitute in the first team on one occasion which left those close to the player scratching their heads.
Having not been included in the post-season Asia tour or the first pre-season friendly, a path into the first team doesn’t seem to be there for Scanlon despite his exploits at youth level.
But a move to the Swiss side, where United can keep a close eye on him, may be the best option for his first foray into senior football at club level.
FC Laussane-Sport
With the loan of Kana-Biyik already complete, United look to be following the multi-club model used by other clubs in England.
The approach will see a return to a loan relationship that United used to great effect with Royal Antwerp under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Lausanne-Sport compete in the Swiss Super League and could potentially have European football to offer this season as well.
They take on FK Vardar this Thursday in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
The match could see a debut for Kana-Biyik and if Lausanne-Sport are to advance, this could offer a great experience for James Scanlon as well.
Feature image Dan Mullan via Getty Images
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Colm Murphy
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
