Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Manchester United are 'scouting' Sassuolo central midfielder Davide Fratessi ahead of the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: United interest
As per Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, United have been closely monitoring Frattesi’s progress in Italy, although they could face stiff competition for his signature.
It is claimed that fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also among his admirers, and he is believed to be valued at around €35 million (£30m) by Sassuolo.
They will be in a very strong position around the negotiating table should a firm offer come their way, as his contract does not run out until 2026.
The Latest: Scouting mission
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has shared that the Old Trafford outfit are 'scouting' Fratessi ahead of a potential move, and does not think that he can be compared to reported summer target Frenkie de Jong:
“I don’t think we can really compare him to Frenkie de Jong, and I don’t think I’d be looking at him along those sorts of lines, but they’re scouting him.
“But we have to consider United scout a lot of people, as does every club, it’s just one of those leaks that gets out that the club have been watching him.”
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The Verdict: Bellingham alternative?
It has recently been reported that the Red Devils look out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and England superstar Jude Bellingham due to his enormous price, so Fratessi could be a cheaper alternative.
Hailed as 'super talented' by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old has four senior caps for Italy, and has really come on at Sassuolo over the last year.
Indeed, he ranks in the 97th percentile for shots, 96th for non-penalty expected goals and 94th for touches out of all midfielders in Europe's top five leagues (FBRef), and would offer Erik ten Hag another threat from the middle of the park.
Nonetheless, a deal looks like it could be done in January for the right price.