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Man Utd and Aston Villa are showing “interest” in Como midfielder Martin Baturina, according to reports in the Italian media.
The Croatian, who has been capped 20 times, scored in his country’s 4-2 defeat to England in the World Cup on Wednesday night.
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Following Baturina’s performance, Sky Sport Italia revealed details about United and Villa’s pursuit of the player.
They claim that the 23-year-old has previously been a target for Leeds, while Bayern Munich have also made enquiries about his situation, and an unnamed club (potentially Villa) have already had a €50m (£43m) “bid” rejected by Como.
Why are Man Utd interested in the player?
There are several reasons why Baturina would be a target for the Red Devils. He is still in his early 20s, so he has room to develop and improve in the future.
The Croatian international can also be deployed in several different roles. Under Como boss Cesc Fabregas last campaign, he started as a no.8, a no.10, a left wingback, a left winger and even as a centre-forward.
United are looking to strengthen their options in most of those positions, although they may be put off by the cost of signing him.
If an offer in excess of £40m has already been knocked back, Baturina may not be seen as value for money. He did struggle to find form in the first half of last season, and all but one of his 12 goal contributions came after the New Year.
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Baturina is not the club’s priority
It is clear that while United do hold an interest in the player, they are currently focused on other targets. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is the favoured option to strengthen the midfield
For the left wing, it is believed Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are top of the shortlist.
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