Man Utd identify new wonderkid target

Tom Weber

Updated: 11 Jan 2025 19:45 GMT
3 min read

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have identified Francesco Pio Esposito as a new target, according to Italian media.

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The young Inter striker is spending the season out on loan at Spezia Calcio in Serie B and he is certainly catching the eye. Esposito is currently scoring every other game, having netted nine times in 18 outings so far.

The 19-year-old's form has not gone unnoticed and journalist Alfredo Pedulla and Sportitalia report that the youngster has appeared on the radar of Premier League clubs Leicester and Man Utd.

So far, however, no decision has been made on whether to move for Esposito. Both clubs will continue to monitor his progress and likely only pursue a deal should an opportunity arise in the summer.

The teenager is still under contract until 2027 and is said to dream of becoming a regular for parent club Inter, having come through their academy despite hailing from the region of Napoli.

Esposito a typical INEOS signing

Should Man Utd decide to formalise their interest and actually make a move for Esposito, it would be a deal firmly in line with INEOS' new transfer policy.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment, Man Utd have tried to change their recruitment strategy with a view to snapping up some of the biggest young talents from around the world.

The likes of Leny Yoro and Chido Obi-Martin have joined the club this season as the first manifestations of that new policy in action and Esposito would be a similar, albeit more low-key signing.

Despite his age, Esposito is already a regular for Italy's U21s, for whom he has scored an impressive seven goals in 11 appearances, illustrating that he is clearly a huge talent. His form with Spezia this term certainly suggests that he is ready for senior football.