Manchester United 'propose swap deal' for Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez

Manchester United are considering a surprise swap deal to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez this summer, according to reports.

Manager Erik ten Hag is said to have made a new striker his main priority for the upcoming window, with United still yet to source a permanent replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed the club by mutual consent in December.

They did sign Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley in January, although the Manchester Evening News claim the Dutchman will not be signing for the club permanently.

United have been heavily linked with a move for Harry Kane, with supporters aiming chants in his direction during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham last month.

But one issue for the club is the potential fee involved, with Football Insider reporting that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants at least £100 million from English clubs in order to sell.

The same can be said for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who is Serie A's top goalscorer and helped the Italian giants to end their 33-year Scudetto drought on Thursday.

His asking price has been quoted at a staggering €150 million (around £133 million) - although Italian outlet Correire della Sera claim that this has not entirely put off United.

Martinez has emerged as a more affordable alternative - and United are reportedly willing to include a player in a swap deal to sign him.

Man Utd 'propose Martinez swap deal'

According to Calciomercato (via Football Transfers), United will offer €50 million (£44 million) to Inter for the Argentinian World Cup winner - and include Anthony Martial as part of the deal.

Inter were reportedly keen on signing United captain Harry Maguire in January, with The Sun claiming that Ten Hag personally vetoed a loan offer to ensure the England centre-back stayed at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.

With Maguire's future uncertain, it would perhaps be unsurprising if Inter went back in to attempt to sign him this summer.

But it is Martial that United would reportedly be willing to part company with in order to land Martinez, who formed a potent partnership with Romelu Lukaku during his early days at the club.

With 19 goals to his name this season, Martinez is leading the charge towards Champions League qualification for Simone Inzaghi's side, who occupy the final qualification place in Serie A with four games to play.

Should they miss out on the top four - and fail to win this season's Champions League - it could provide United with the perfect opportunity to swoop for their star striker's services.