Manchester United are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, having already made their intentions to Roma clear. #MUFC

The January window passed by at Old Trafford without any new arrivals. And while interim boss Ralf Rangnick is targeting midfield reinforcements, the only business at United came with those departing the club.

However, one source in Italy claims versatile Roma star Zaniolo is also in the German’s thinking.

The 22-year-old is comfortable in a number of positions across the attack. However, Zaniolo most frequently operates as either a winger or a second striker. Indeed, that’s a position Jose Mourinho has often used Zaniolo in; the Italian playing just behind Tammy Abraham in his preferred 3-5-2 formation.

Zaniolo is a player who has been on the radar of several top clubs for a few seasons now.

First mentioned as a Tottenham target under Mourinho back in 2020, the eight-times capped Italy star is also courted by by the likes of Juventus and AC Milan.

However, as per Italian journalist Enrico Camelio, as cited by JuveLive and Sport Witness, it is United and Rangnick who are most keen.

Indeed, he states United are the only club to have made a firm move for the player.

Camelio is quoted as saying: “Juve asked for information, but did not speak to Roma. A team from Milan also asked for information.

“If €50m arrives, Rome sells him. The only one that is actually making a move is Manchester United. The others are only asking for information.”

In clarifying Camelio’s words, JuveLive goes on to explain that United are ready to make an ‘important investment’ in the player.

That said, United to seem well blessed for players in that position. Therefore, United spending £42m on Zaniolo would come as something of a surprise.