Manchester United are set to face competition from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the battle to sign Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.
That is according to a report by journalist Ekrem Konur, as cited by Sports Mole, who claims that Atletico are 'preparing an offer' to land the Croatian.
The 28-year-old has frequently been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks as United look to step-up their search for a new central-midfielder, having failed to bring one in during the summer transfer window.
Brozovic, who is set to be offered a two-year deal with the option of a third by Atletico, is out-of-contract at the San Siro at the end of the season, meaning he will be free to discuss terms with any non-Italian club from January.
Inter want to retain his services beyond the end of this season, but they fear that other clubs may be able to propose more lucrative offers to prize him away from the club.
United and Atletico are not the only two reported interested parties in Brozovic, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also being credited with interest in his signature.
Brozovic has been a regular fixture for Inter so far this season, racking up 15 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, United have been joined by Liverpool in the race to sign highly-rated Dundee United youngster Kerr Smith, a report by The Sun claims.
The defender, who is only 16-years-old, is considered as one of the most highly-rated youngsters north of the border and has no shortage of admirers.
Liverpool have been alerted to Smith's potential, but United are also in the race, as are Aston Villa and Everton.
Capable of playing at right-back and centre-back, Smith made his first-team debut against Rangers earlier this year, but had already attracted attention from scouts of several clubs.
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