Manchester United are in the market for a new potential striker target, as TeamTalk reports that the club went on a scouting mission to monitor one star on the club’s shortlist.
The striker position is an area that the Red Devils have worked hard to improve, with Rasmus Hojlund leaving the club last summer before the arrival of Benjamin Sesko.
The 23-year-old wasn’t the complete package, but over time there were signs that he is capable of competing in the Premier League at the highest level.
There have also been chances for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha as the number nine, but the summer transfer window could offer a chance to add another star into the ranks.
Pio Esposito Scouted By Man United
According to a report from TeamTalk, Manchester United recently spent time scouting Italy international Pio Esposito, as the star featured in friendly matches against Greece and Luxembourg.
The Red Devils are believed to be interested in the 20-year-old after monitoring him for a considerable amount of time, with the most recent matches only hardening their belief that he could be a top player in the future.
It’s unclear whether a move will be launched this summer, and indeed whether Esposito himself would be open to a switch to Old Trafford if the club came calling.
However, the ‘complete #9’ is one of several options that Man United are considering as they assess the forward options available before next season.
Esposito showed signs of quality throughout the most recent campaign for Inter Milan, scoring ten goals and assisting six across all competitions.
That led to some praise from manager Cristian Chivu, who believes the striker has it all, when he said last September: “The strikers complete each other… Pio can do a bit of everything. I’m happy for him.”
Other clubs are believed to be on alert over a possible deal, though no transfer valuation has been set on the youngster by Inter as things stand.
The report adds that Esposito wasn’t the only player being scouted, as Greek duo Christos Tzolis and Christos Mouzakitis were also being monitored in the most recent match.
Any move could hinge on the future of Joshua Zirkzee, however, in a deal that could take a twist.
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Joshua Zirkzee Swap Chance
While Man United hold interest in Inter Milan star Esposito, there is similar interest from the Nerazzurri in Joshua Zirkzee this summer.
The report claims that the interest adds an “interesting” subplot to potential discussions over a deal for the strikers in the coming weeks that have an impact.
Zirkzee is being heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer after a lack of game time, as the striker has struggled to make an impression in the Premier League so far.
Any move for a striker this summer could depend on a sale in the frontline, most likely to be the Dutch international, to help address the balance in the squad.
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That could throw up the possibility of a swap deal being on the cards, but would depend on the enthusiasm of Inter Milan to see Esposito move the other way, as well as the figures involved.
It remains to be seen what could come of the interest, but it sets up an intriguing few months for Man United on the transfer front.