Manchester United have joined Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, reports in Spain claim.
United are interested in signing a striker in the upcoming transfer window and a host of names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. MEN Sport revealed last week that the club are using data analysis to aid their search for a new forward, with RB Leipzig star Timo Werner one name that is under consideration.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to sign Odion Ighalo on loan in January and the United boss admitted he could be signed permanently after netting four goals in eight appearances. Ighalo's loan contract is set to expire at the end of May and the Nigerian admitted he wants to see his stay extended but confirmed no offer has been made yet.
However, Spanish outlet Sport report United have turned their attentions elsewhere and are targeting a move for Martinez who has netted 12 goals in 22 Serie A appearances this season.
They claim United have offered the Argentine a 'multi-million contract' in order to convince him to reject a switch to Barcelona and move to the Premier League.
The report should be taken with a grain of salt as the Spanish press have been known to link players with a switch to United in order to make it appear as if Barcelona fended off interest from the Premier League side to secure one of their targets.
Inter Milan have maintained Martinez is not for sale and the Reds would be forced to trigger his €111million release clause to have any chance of completing a deal. Such a transfer fee is unrealistic given the current financial climate with United also hopeful of signing a right winger and a central midfielder.
Elsewhere, reports suggest United have opened talks with Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu over a transfer in the upcoming window.
MEN Sport understand defence is not an area of priority for Solskjaer amid reports linking Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly with a move to Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, ESPN report the Reds are unconvinced by Victor Lindelof's form and are keen to add to their back four.
The 21-year-old has been the star of Valladolid's season and is believed to have a £10m release clause in his contract.
