Manchester United are in the market for a new potential striker target, as TeamTalk reports that the club went on a scouting mission to monitor one star on the club’s shortlist.

The striker position is an area that the Red Devils have worked hard to improve, with Rasmus Hojlund leaving the club last summer before the arrival of Benjamin Sesko.

The 23-year-old wasn’t the complete package, but over time there were signs that he is capable of competing in the Premier League at the highest level.

There have also been chances for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha as the number nine, but the summer transfer window could offer a chance to add another star into the ranks.

Pio Esposito Scouted By Man United

According to a report from TeamTalk, Manchester United recently spent time scouting Italy international Pio Esposito, as the star featured in friendly matches against Greece and Luxembourg.

The Red Devils are believed to be interested in the 20-year-old after monitoring him for a considerable amount of time, with the most recent matches only hardening their belief that he could be a top player in the future.

It’s unclear whether a move will be launched this summer, and indeed whether Esposito himself would be open to a switch to Old Trafford if the club came calling.

However, the ‘complete #9’ is one of several options that Man United are considering as they assess the forward options available before next season.

Esposito showed signs of quality throughout the most recent campaign for Inter Milan, scoring ten goals and assisting six across all competitions.

That led to some praise from manager Cristian Chivu, who believes the striker has it all, when he said last September: “The strikers complete each other… Pio can do a bit of everything. I’m happy for him.”

Other clubs are believed to be on alert over a possible deal, though no transfer valuation has been set on the youngster by Inter as things stand.

The report adds that Esposito wasn’t the only player being scouted, as Greek duo Christos Tzolis and Christos Mouzakitis were also being monitored in the most recent match.

Any move could hinge on the future of Joshua Zirkzee, however, in a deal that could take a twist.

Joshua Zirkzee Swap Chance

While Man United hold interest in Inter Milan star Esposito, there is similar interest from the Nerazzurri in Joshua Zirkzee this summer.

The report claims that the interest adds an “interesting” subplot to potential discussions over a deal for the strikers in the coming weeks that have an impact.

Zirkzee is being heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer after a lack of game time, as the striker has struggled to make an impression in the Premier League so far.

Any move for a striker this summer could depend on a sale in the frontline, most likely to be the Dutch international, to help address the balance in the squad.

That could throw up the possibility of a swap deal being on the cards, but would depend on the enthusiasm of Inter Milan to see Esposito move the other way, as well as the figures involved.

It remains to be seen what could come of the interest, but it sets up an intriguing few months for Man United on the transfer front.

Marcus Rashford may finally have a new permanent club, but only if Manchester United are willing to meet one condition over his transfer exit, according to The Sun.

It comes as the forward looks set for a return to Old Trafford, despite a successful season on loan at Barcelona, with the Catalan club seemingly running down the time remaining on his permanent transfer clause priced at roughly £26 million.

Rashford‘s chances of staying with the Blaugrana were not helped when his England international teammate Anthony Gordon joined the club on a move from Newcastle United.

As all things seemingly point towards a return to Man United, questions persist over what is next for the 28-year-old in his career, as he searches for his next opportunity.

While Barcelona isn’t necessarily ruled out as an option, there is another European giant now seemingly in the mix for his signature.

Bayern Munich Want Marcus Rashford

According to a report from The Sun, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have emerged as a potential suitor for Rashford in the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that the Bavarian outfit are willing to meet Manchester United’s valuation of the forward, in the region of £34.5 million, but there is a stumbling block.

Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages are claimed to be a major factor in the deal, with Bayern far less keen on paying such a substantial figure for the England international.

It’s a wage that the club aren’t willing to shell out for, as there is no guarantee that he will be a guaranteed starter, even though they are on the hunt for more left-wing options.

Bayern Munich failed in their attempts to land Gordon, as he eventually joined Barcelona, while the enquiries over a move for Rio Ngumoha were shot down by Liverpool in recent days.

Rashford appears to be the next target, although links with Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal have arisen again as an option for the side this summer.

It remains to be seen what decision will win out, and whether Man United will have to swallow the costs of the wages or whether Rashford will have to take a pay cut.

Man United’s Wage Dilemma

There is a clear dilemma facing Man United when it comes to the possible exit of Rashford, as any move will likely incur the club taking a hit on some of the overall wage package he is on.

There may be a bitter taste about sending a player on loan and paying partially towards the success he may bring others, but the alternative options aren’t exactly easy decisions either.

One move could be to wait it out and hope that Rashford is the one to take a pay cut wherever he ends up, but that may prolong any possible exit and cause further problems down the line when the deadline draws closer.

The other option is to keep the forward and try to fit him into the current squad. While that may work, it depends on the appetite of the player and manager to make it work, as well as the finances, as the club would then be taking all £325,000-a-week on.

It’s a dilemma that will continue until a decision is made on Rashford’s future one way or another, with a limited amount of possible destinations for a star of his calibre.

Aston Villa are kickstarting their summer business by submitting a bid for a winger in the transfer market, with an initial approach turned down.

The move comes as Unai Emery looks to move from strength to strength with his side, having won the Europa League on top of already securing Champions League qualification for next season.

While some questioned whether that may be the pinnacle of the Spaniard’s time at Villa Park, he has been clear that his ambitions must be met with further moves in the transfer market to strengthen the team.

An increase in overall quality and depth will be needed at Aston Villa, especially in the forward areas, where new options could inject some energy into the team, leading to an initial offer being made for a transfer target.

Aston Villa’s Baturina Offer

According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition, via Sport Witness, Aston Villa have lodged an offer for Como winger Martin Baturina.

The report claims that a bid in the region of €50-55 million (£43.1-47.5 million) was made, but swiftly turned down by the Serie A club in the market.

It is stated that an €80 million (£69.1 million) valuation has been placed on the forward, as Aston Villa are joined by Bayern Munich and an unnamed Premier League club in the race to sign him.

The 23-year-old impressed during the previous campaign, picking up eight goals and four assists, with his performances often catching the eye, even if he wasn’t always getting the output in the final third.

Any deal could prove tough to do, considering that Como qualified for the Champions League after an impressive season under Cesc Fabregas in Serie A.

It means that only exceptional offers will be considered, while the club looks at the options who can strengthen them, rather than weaken them in the market.

For Aston Villa, it means there may be work to do if they want to convince both Como and Baturina that a deal can be possible.

World Cup Dilemma

Aston Villa’s interest in Baturina is complicated by both Como trying to keep the player at a higher valuation and the interest coming from elsewhere in the market.

Those factors are heightened when the upcoming World Cup is considered, with the winger set to star for Croatia in the tournament this summer.

Players can often announce themselves on such a stage, which may make it tougher for Villa to secure a deal if either his valuation increases further, or other clubs join the mix.

The 23-year-old has already featured in two friendlies for Croatia before the tournament has begun, receiving praise from manager Zlatko Dalic in the process.

“He [Baturina] was good and very committed,” the head coach said after defeat to Belgium. “He showed he’s in good form. He finished the season brilliantly in Italy and today he was really very good. He won several balls, created overloads, and was our most dangerous attacking player.”

If that could translate to being dangerous for Aston Villa, then the club would be on a solid path to landing a promising player for the future.

But for now, they may have to play the waiting game or look elsewhere if they want value and a quick answer on a star’s future.