Manchester United have joined the race to sign Croatia star Martin Baturina as part of their summer recruitment drive.
Baturina, 23, was on the scoresheet in an exhilarating match between England and Croatia in their World Cup Group L opener on Wednesday night, beating Jordan Pickford with an outrageous strike from outside the box.
With the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic approaching the end of their careers for the national team, Baturina is among the new crop of young talent alongside Josko Gvardiol and Luka Vuskovic looking to replicate their success.
The versatile attacking midfielder emerged from the same Dinamo Zagreb academy as Modric, joining Cesc Fabregas’ Como in 2025. But Premier League interest in his services is growing.
Leeds United made a move to sign the Croatian recently with Como turning down a €50million (£43m) offer for one of their prized assets. Bayern Munich have also enquired into him.
Sky Sports Italia now report United and Aston Villa are also showing interest.
Como are anticipating more interest in their young star and have no intention of selling him this summer. However, recent reports in Italy have claimed an offer of €80million (£70m) could tempt them into doing business.
Baturina scored eight goals and provided four assists in his first season in Italian football playing in a number of positions. While naturally an attacking midfielder, he was also deployed on the left, in central midfield and even as a centre forward last season.
Up front and on the left are two positions United are seeking to strengthen this summer.
On the left, West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville has been identified as a target with Marcus Rashford’s future still in limbo after Barcelona backed out of plans to sign him permanently.
The 27-year-old provided a telling reminder of his quality off the bench with a goal against Croatia with United legend Rio Ferdinand urging the club to give him another chance.
United’s focus has so far been on rebuilding their midfield. With Casemiro leaving and doubts over the future of Manuel Ugarte, it would leave Kobbie Mainoo as the only recognised central midfielder in the squad.
Ederson is set to join from Atalanta in a deal that is expected to be confirmed next month with United also in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.
Alex Scott, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are also targets but Elliot Anderon would appear to be out of reach with the Nottingham Forest star favouring Manchester City.