Manchester United eyes Lautaro Martinez in potential swap deal with Inter Milan

Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise swap deal to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez this summer.

Manager Erik ten Hag is said to have made a new striker his top priority for the upcoming window, with United yet to find a permanent replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club by mutual consent in December.

They loaned Wout Weghorst from Burnley in January, although the Manchester Evening News claim the Dutchman will not sign for the club on a permanent basis.

United have been heavily linked with a move for Harry Kane and fans aimed chants his way in last month’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

However, one concern for the club is the potential fee. Football Insider reports that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is demanding at least £100m from English clubs for the sale.

The same goes for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who is Serie A’s top scorer and helped the Italian giants end their 33-year losing streak at Scudetto on Thursday.

His price tag has been quoted as a staggering €150million (around £133million) – although Italian outlet Correire della Sera claim this hasn’t completely put off United.

Martinez has emerged as a more affordable alternative – and United are reportedly willing to include a player in a swap deal to sign him.

Man Utd propose Martinez swap deal

According to Calciomercato (via Football Transfers), United Inter will offer €50m (£44m) for the Argentine world champions – and include Anthony Martial in the deal.

Inter were reportedly keen to sign United captain Harry Maguire in January, with The Sun claiming Ten Hag personally vetoed a loan offer to ensure the England centre-back stays at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season .

With Maguire’s future uncertain, it might not be surprising if Inter try to sign him again this summer.

But it’s Martial that United would reportedly be willing to part with in order to land Martinez, who forged a strong partnership with Romelu Lukaku in his early days at the club.

With 19 goals this season, Martinez is leading Simone Inzaghi’s side towards Champions League qualification, which sits last in Serie A with four games to go.

Should they miss out on the top four – and fail to win the Champions League this season – it could present United with the perfect opportunity to enlist the services of their star striker.