Manchester United were ‘monitoring’ an Inter Milan talent ahead of trying to sign the Napoli-linked star this summer, according to reports in Italy.
Ineos began an overhaul of the Manchester United first-team squad last summer after signing Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s regime at Old Trafford is now expected to continue their rebuild this summer, with the weakened midfield believed to be a key area to strengthen.
But Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito, who was loaned out to Serie C side Spezia in the past, has been tipped as a transfer target for United in recent months.
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Journalist Alfredo Pedulla explains Man Utd’s transfer approach to Inter Milan talent Francesco Pio Esposito
Francesco Pio Esposito has been at Inter Milan since 2023 after the 21-year-old Italian striker emerged through the ranks of the youth academy at the San Siro.
The former Spezia player has made 50 appearances for the Serie A side’s first team and has netted 11 times and registered seven assists during his spell at the San Siro.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Alfredo Pedulla revealed that Man Utd were showing a lot of interest in signing Esposito while he was at Spezia.
“Manchester United, I can guarantee you that even before he returned [to] Inter, they were monitoring him at least twice a month, watching every match, even in Serie B at Spezia,” he said.
“They wanted to make a big offer, but that was discussed two months ago.”
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Alfredo Pedulla reveals why Serie A side Napoli did not move for Man Utd-linked Francesco Pio Esposito
Esposito, who lifted the Serie A title and Coppa Italia with Inter last season, is under contract with the Italian champions until 2030 amid Man Utd and Napoli’s interest.
Alfredo Pedulla added that Napoli were keen to make a move for Man Utd-linked Esposito, but the Italian club would not have been able to compete for him.
“Napoli also considered him, but there is no room for manoeuvre because the English clubs would have put an incredible transfer fee on the table for Pio Esposito,” he added.
“Now, after the first talks [with Inter], I think a five-year contract is being worked on, with a base salary of around €3.5m to €4m per year.”
Inter are keen to sign Esposito to a new deal and are prepared to offer the Napoli-linked striker an increase in his salary to fend off interest from other clubs.
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