Manchester United and City go head to head to sign Roma’s midfield prodigy Lorenzo Pellegrini

MANCHESTER United and City could go head to head over more than just the title race this season.

According to reports in Italy, the two clubs are interested in making a move for Italian midfield sensation Lorenzo Pellegrini.

EPA

United have already scouted the 21-year-old more than once, and SunSport reported last month that Jose Mourinho’s side were interested in bringing in the young playmaker.

But they face competition from their cross-town rivals, who have also reportedly also developed an interest in him.

Pep Guardiola’s side are not short of midfield reinforcements though – with Kevin de Bruyne proving what a super box-to-box middle man he has been this season.

Pellegrini is proving he can also pass, move and his nine goals last term prove he can also score.

He played for Sassuolo for two seasons after leaving Roma for the Serie A club in 2015.

But the Italian capital club wanted him back – and duly got the man who came through their youth system last summer.

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Instagram @lorepelle7

Instagram @lorepelle7

AFP

According to Sky Italia, City have joined United in keeping track of Pellegrini, who has been in contention for a starting place in the Italy first-team, making his debut against Liechtenstein in the Azzurri’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win.

If he plays regularly during the World Cup in Russia next summer, Pellegrini’s value could soar, so both clubs might want to make an early bid.

Of course, Italy itself now has competition for the big players, after AC Milan began a spending spree to try and re-build their reputation as one of Europe’s big boys alongside Juventus.