Manchester United appear to have an interest in Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.

The Lowdown: World Cup winner

Martinez helped his country win the World Cup last year, featuring in all but one of the seven fixtures in Qatar.

The 25-year-old can play as a centre-forward or as a second striker and has been in fine form for Inter this season, contributing to 13 goals in 18 Serie A goals. His displays appear to have caught the eye of Old Trafford officials, although he is under contract at the San Siro until 2026.

The Latest: United eyeing move

Calciomercato shared an update regarding Martinez on Friday, where United and Premier League rivals Tottenham were named.

The report stated that Erik ten Hag’s side are admirers of the forward and that Inter Milan would consider a sale if a €100m offer arrived. They add that United defender Lisandro Martinez, who won the World Cup alongside the striker, ‘could advocate his purchase’.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-10/" title="Latest Man Utd news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Big money

Paul Pogba cost United €105m back in 2016, so it seems as if United will need to make Martinez their second most expensive signing of all time to have any chance of securing a transfer.

A new marquee forward appears to be needed in 2023, though, especially as there is no option to make Wout Weghorst’s loan move permanent in the summer.

That could leave Ten Hag back at square one with Anthony Martial as the club’s only recognised centre-forward, so signing Martinez, lauded as a ‘beast‘ by Inter team-mate Romelu Lukaku, could be a statement of intent.

He’s the most valuable Argentine player on the planet and the fifth most valuable striker at €75m, as per Transfermarkt, and following his impressive displays in front of goal this season, Martinez could be a clever signing.