Manchester United have reportedly instructed scouts to keep a watchful eye over Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi.
The 22-year-old spent time in the Lazio and Roma youth systems before joining the Neroverdi in 2017, but he endured three loan spells before making a name for himself at senior level.
Monza, Empoli and Ascoli all welcomed Frattesi on a temporary basis between 2017 and 2021, but he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Sassuolo last term, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 36 Serie A matches.
Frattesi has maintained his strong form in the 2022-23 campaign, posting six goals from 27 top-flight matches and catching the eye of Italy manager Roberto Mancini in the process.
The midfielder earned his first four caps for the Azzurri during June's Nations League matches, and he could be involved when Italy tackle Malta in Sunday's Euro 2024 qualifier.
© Reuters
Frattesi agreed a new contract with Sassuolo until 2026 last year, but the Neroverdi's resolve is expected to be tested during the upcoming transfer window.
According to La Gazztta dello Sport - via Tribal Football - Man United are showing an interest in the Italy international ahead of a potential summer swoop.
Despite not managing a single senior appearance for Roma, the report adds that the Giallorossi - led by former Man United manager Jose Mourinho - could also try to reunite with their former player for the 2023-24 campaign.
Roma were tipped to bring Frattesi back to Stadio Olimpico last year, but he stayed put with Sassuolo and has continued to play an integral role in Alessio Dionisi's engine room.
Whether Roma will try again for their former academy starlet remains to be seen, but Man United scouts will compile reports on Frattesi over the next couple of months.
© Reuters
The Red Devils significantly reinforced their midfield with the summer signings of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, but the latter has been out since January with a serious ankle injury.
Eriksen's diagnosis led to a last-minute loan move for Bayern Munich's Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day in January, but the Austrian has given little away regarding a potential permanent switch to Old Trafford.
"Whatever happens in the summer, we will see. I had to make a quick decision in January. I was focused on this, it was clear it is just a loan until the summer. I take every game as it comes," Sabitzer told reporters.
"I'm very happy to be here. I will give 100%. I am very happy to be part of this team, this amazing club, and I feel very welcomed. I am very happy at the moment."
Man United do not possess an option or obligation to make Sabitzer's deal permanent, but a spot for a new midfielder could open up either way if the out-of-favour Scott McTominay heads elsewhere.
Ben Knapton
