Leon Bailey is one of the contenders for the 2016 Golden Boy award. AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Racing Genk attacker Leon Bailey, sources close to the Premier League club have told ESPN FC.

Bailey, 19, has impressed for Belgian club Genk in the last 18 months and was named the best young player in Belgium last year.

He has attracted the interest of a host of Europe's top clubs with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool keeping tabs on his progress, but sources have told ESPN FC that United are ready to steal a march on their rivals after watching him on several occasions in recent weeks.

United's chief scout, Jim Lawlor, watched the skilful forward score for Genk in last week's 3-1 Europa League win over Sassuolo after having seen him net a brace last month in the 3-2 defeat to Rapid Vienna.

Genk are bracing themselves for interest in the Jamaica under-23 international -- who was among the 40 nominees for the 2016 Golden Boy award -- when the transfer window reopens in January.