Pranav Nair
Manchester United interested in Roma star Cengiz Under
According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (h/t Express), Manchester United have entered the race for Roma attacker Cengiz Under.
The 22-year-old is seen as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Fiorentina’s Federico Chiesa.
Sancho remains the priority target. However, his massive £115million asking fee remains a roadblock. United are reluctant to commit given the uncertain financial landscape the sport finds itself in.
With cheaper alternatives being the order of the day, Under is a player who can be considered as value for money.
The 22-year-old joined the Italian giants from Turkish side Basaksehir in 2017. He has since made 85 appearances while scoring 17 goals and assisting 12 more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The numbers are nowhere near Sancho’s. His young age coupled with his potential are enough reasons worth taking a punt though.
According to the report, United have already spoken with former Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini. The Italian acts as an advisor to Roma owner James Pallotta.
Baldini was also involved in Chris Smalling’s loan move to the Stadio Olimpico where he has impressed. United are not the only Premier League club in for Under, with Baldini talking with several of them. (h/t Express)
Roma are willing to cash in on the player and might agree to an offer worth £26.8m.
Under’s skill on the ball and pace has seen him get likened to Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah by Turkish national team boss Mircea Lucescu. (h/t Express)
The comment can be taken with a pinch of salt. Under may not reach the levels set by Salah but can develop into an excellent player in his own right.
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United should leverage Chriss Smalling’s future into any negotiations for Under. Roma are keen to keep Smalling but are unable to afford him.
Offering a swap involving them both will work perfectly for us.
