Amid the big money deals being speculated upon like Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, Manchester United are also being linked with a bargain move.
Italian source TMW report United are keen on Atalanta midfielder Alessandro Cortinovis.
Before we delve into the likelihood of this, and where he might fit in, let’s familiarise ourselves with Cortinovis…
1) Cortinovis plays as an attacking midfielder for Atalanta.
2) He is yet to made his debut, although he did make the bench in the Coppa Italia.
3) Cortinovis has a prolific record for Atalanta’s academy side. He has scored 12 goals from 24 appearances this season, also providing three assists. Two of these goals came in a promotion play-off match this past week.
4) He has played a total of 56 academy games alongside Amad Diallo, going back to under-17 level.
5) News of United’s interest comes amid reports ‘various Serie A clubs’ are taking note of Cortinovis and are keen on signing him.
Park the scepticism for a moment…
A transfer rumours like this is easy to dismiss. And so was Amad last summer, and that one turned out to be true.
United’s interest in Amad first broke through TMW and it is very possible Cortinovis caught the club’s eye during scouting missions for Amad.
Cortinovis has an eye for a spectacular goal and while he has not yet made his Atalanta bow, Amad only had limited chances before United snapped him up.
Where might he fit?
We would rate this one as a 4/10 in terms of likelihood at absolute best.
Cortinovis would have to follow the Facundo Pellistri route out on loan before trying to crack United’s first team.
A deal could be made more likely if Juan Mata is released. In the eventuality Donny van de Beek is loaned or sold, and we expect him to stay, United would have a need for an extra attacking midfielder.
Different players develop at various speeds and sometimes Italian clubs get it wrong. AC Milan foolishly allowed Manuel Locatelli to depart without a chance to establish himself in their first team.
This one is just worth noting, as a possibility perhaps late on in the transfer window if United want to take a chance.
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