Manchester United have reportedly identified AS Roma’s Italian midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as a target for the winter transfer window.
After a disappointing summer, Manchester United are sketching out plans for the January transfer window and have identified AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as a potential target. A report from TransferMarketWeb.com claims that the Red Devils are set to make an attempt to land the 22-year old Italian international, when the transfer window reopens nearly four months from now.
The 22-year old had been linked with a move to Manchester United in January earlier this year, but no progress was made. However, it seems that the club have continued to monitor the midfielder and are planning to move in for him in the upcoming transfer window.
A product of the Roma youth academy, Pellegrini made his senior debut in March 2015, but was sold to fellow Serie A outfit Sassuolo the same year. However, after being impressed with his progress in the next couple of years, the Giallorossi signed him back in the summer of 2017.
Following his return to the Stadio Olimpico, Pellegrini managed to make 37 appearances across all competitions in the 2017-18 campaign, coming up with returns of 3 goals and 5 assists as Roma finished 3rd in the Serie A and made it as far as the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
With Kevin Strootman now sold and Maxime Gonalons loaned out as well, Pellegrini is set to play a more crucial role for the Italian outfit in the new season. He made his first appearance of the 2018-19 campaign in Roma’s 3-3 draw against Atalanta on Monday.
The summer window left behind a lot of frustrations for Manchester United as they failed to land a number of key transfer targets. Three signings were made by the Mancunians, with Brazilian midfielder Fred arriving along with young full-back Diogo Dalot and third-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant.
Following a disastrous start to the campaign, that has seen them lose two league games on the bounce, manager Jose Mourinho is keen on reinforcing his squad further in the winter window. Despite having bolstered his midfield with the addition of Fred, the Portuguese is hoping to bring in Pellegrini as well.
A strong, box-to-box midfielder, the 22-year old would bring more dynamism and energy to United’s midfield. However, considering the number of midfielders at Jose’s disposal already, he will need to offload someone in order to create room for the Italian.
Moreover, United’s priority at the moment is likely to be a new centre-back, after some shambolic displays by their defenders in the previous two matches. A huge offer to sign Real Madrid centre-half Raphael Varane is understood to be on the cards. So, it remains to be seen if United do make a move to sign the six-time capped Italian international in four months’ time.
