Manchester United could be about to sting one of their own, with club chiefs INEOS reportedly bearing down on the same target as Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester City.
Van Nistelrooy took temporary charge at Old Trafford between Erik ten Hag's sacking and Ruben Amorim's appointment. The Dutchman, who spent some of his best years with the Red Devils as a player, was a hit with fans during his short time in the dugout.
But with Amorim opting against giving him a spot on his backroom team, Van Nistelrooy was quickly snapped up by the Foxes. Amid the lurking threat of relegation from the Premier League, he will be keen to make signings as soon as possible.
Related articles
According to Sport Italia, United and Leicester could go head-to-head for the signature of Italian youngster Francesco Pio Esposito. The striker, standing 6ft 2in tall, is into his second season of senior football and he has already bagged nine goals in Serie B this term.
At only 19 years old, Esposito's scoring form is beginning to turn heads. Clubs in Italy's top flight have been tracking the teenager, who is on loan at Spezia from Inter Milan, but the Foxes and the Red Devils are also in the hunt.
Esposito is already a regular scorer with Italy's U21s, and if United make their move, he could land at Old Trafford in the same window Joshua Zirkzee departs.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Italian clubs, including Juventus, have been strongly linked with a move for Zirkzee, who has struggled in the Premier League after impressing for Bologna last season. The £36.5million summer signing reportedly wants to stay at Old Trafford, but club chiefs may still look to offload him if a tasty offer arrives, given they are unable to spend until sales are made.
Esposito, although four years younger than Zirkzee, would fit a similar profile as a big, physical centre-forward. But his move to England would depend on Inter's willingness to recall him from Spezia and sanction a winter move.
Related articles
If Premier League interest gathers pace, it remains to be seen whether Esposito would be more tempted by the bright lights of Old Trafford or the more realistic prospect of regular football at the King Power Stadium, where he could work under a legendary striker in Van Nistelrooy.
Rasmus Hojlund is leading the line in Manchester, where goal machine Chido Obi-Martin is rapidly rising through the ranks. It is unclear where Esposito would fit into Amorim's pecking order if a deal is done.
