MANCHESTER UNITED look set to miss out on striker Lautaro Martinez – because they are not prepared to meet his £94million release clause at Inter Milan.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is sure to scour Europe this summer for additions to his under-fire United squad.
Romelu Lukaku was not replaced when he left for Inter in the summer, Marcus Rashford is struggling with injury and Anthony Martial continues to be inconsistent.
But according to The Times, Martinez is out of their price bracket.
The 22-year-old is one of Serie A’s hottest prospects after forming a lethal partnership at Inter with ex-Man Utd man Lukaku.
Martinez has scored 16 goals in 27 appearances for the Nerazzurri.
With United seemingly out of the running, Barcelona have moved to the front of the queue for the Argentinian.
Manchester City were also monitoring the frontman, but their attentions have sensationally switched to Lionel Messi.
The six-time Balon d’Or winner was reported to have had a bust-up with sporting director Eric Abidal.
The Catalans are looking for a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez who has undergone surgery for troublesome knee issues.
Ousmane Dembele has had another setback in his return from a hamstring injury and requires more surgery.
That leaves Messi and Antoine Griezmann leading the line, with boss Quique Setien left with B team back-ups for the rest of the season.
Martinez joined Inter from Racing Club in the summer of 2018 and having scored six goals in his debut season, his performances this term have seen him getting much attention.
