Manchester City have reportedly emerged as a rival for Manchester United in the pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini
The Sun have reported of Manchester United being interested in AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. However, the Red Devils will have competition in the form of local rivals Manchester City, who according to Sky Italia, are also considering a move for the Italian international.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has had an interesting career till date. Emerging from the youth setup at AS Roma, the club let the player move to Sassuolo on the cheap – a move that saw Lorenzo become an instant hit at the new club. AS Roma, delighted with his development, chose to shell out nearly 10 times of the inflow from his sale to bring him back.
And his return to AS Roma has been fruitful so far, with 2 assists in 6 appearances in total. The return has been dampened by a calf injury but is expected to be back in action by the time club football resumes after the present international break.
Manchester City had scouts present at Roma vs. Hellas Verona on September 16 to watch Roma’s Italian international midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini (21). [Sky Italia] pic.twitter.com/l4Qz1Ix1fr
— City Watch (@City_Watch) October 3, 2017
His displays, though, have seen him attract both the Manchester outfits, who have reportedly scouted the player more than once in recent times. The 21-year-old has a minimum release clause of £22 million, an amount either side would happily pay to land the player.
Manchester United seem to be preparing to bring a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick. While Jose Mourinho has fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation mostly, a 4-3-3 is what the Portuguese has been hinting towards as the long-term formation.
And despite the presence of Ander Herrera and the arrival of Nemanja Matic, the manager is looking to add a player in the mould of Michael Carrick, who is yet to see a replacement with a similar skillset arrive at Old Trafford.
Manchester City on the other hand, are really spoilt for choices in the middle of the park. Pep Guardiola’s team boasts of players like Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and others. But, again, like their local rivals, the absence of a pure central midfielder has been telling.
Ilkay Gundogan has been struggling with his fitness, Fabian Delph has been deputised on the left side of the defence while Fernandinho and Yaya Toure have to replaced keeping in mind the long term view.
Look at this ball from Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Kid is 21 years old. pic.twitter.com/Aj6LF7EzWr
— Zach (@ZCalcio) October 1, 2017
The Red Devils and the Citizens seem primed to battle each other for the Premier League title this season and it looks like they will be at loggerheads at more than just the title race, with the clubs also pursuing the same players in the transfer market. And it would be interesting to see who triumphs in the various races.
