Mauricio Pochettino could be blocked from sealing first Man Utd signing as Premier League rivals open talks

New Manchester United manager Mauricio Pochettino will already be thinking about how he can shape his new Manchester United squad, but there may be an early roadblock in regards to one potential addition.

A tearful Pochettino informed the press of his decision to join the club at a press conference for the USA national team, with whom he’ll manage two final matches against Haiti on November 14 and 18.

However, sources indicate he may already have a transfer headache to negotiate in regard to a player Cesc Fabregas labelled “a bit anarchic," as Pochettino looks ahead to his first January transfer window as United manager.

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Mauricio Pochettino's first transfer conundrum as Manchester United manager

With Manchester United languishing down in 18th in the Premier League table, new boss Pochettino will be looking for ways to get the squad pointing back in the right direction.

One option comes from a team which recently humbled the Red Devils, in the form of Italy’s Como.

According to Caught Offside, Como’s attacking midfielder Martin Baturina wanted at Old Trafford - but he’s being targeted by a number of other clubs too.

In addition to Chelsea, the Croatian midfielder is being monitored by Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, as well as Bayern Munich.

Pochettino's former club Chelsea have the strongest interest alongside United, with both clubs having made contact with Como.

Both clubs value the midfielder at around £50million, but Como is thought to be looking for around £66m.

“Baturina is well-liked by the recruitment staff of Chelsea and Man United,” Caught Offside was told.

“They’ve been pushing for this deal for a while and early discussions have taken place with Como.

“There’s definitely the sense that they’d sell for the right price, but we’re a long way from an agreement as there’s at least a £16m gap in valuation between the parties at the moment.”

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Why do Manchester United and Chelsea want Martin Baturina?

Martin Baturina has been a key part of Como’s rise in Serie A and the Champions League.

With nine goals and four assists across 38 appearances since the start of last season, the skilful Croatian has been likened to Luka Modric for his skill and vision.

Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, the 23-year-old came from the junior ranks at Hajduk Split, RNK Split and Dynamo Zagreb before breaking into the latter’s first team in 2021.

After scoring 17 goals in 114 appearances, Baturina made the move to Como last season, carrying on his sensational form in Italy.

With the Croatian having made the transition to Serie A so easily, interested clubs hope the intelligent playmaker would do the same in England.

What has Cesc Fabregas said about Martin Baturina?

A key part of the Como squad that’s enjoyed such success in Italy and Europe this year, the club’s manager Cesc Fabregas has delighted in having the likes of Baturina in his squad.

"Baturina is a slightly anarchic player, he has a great feel for the game,” Fabregas said recently.

“The first goal the other day, against Leipzig, if you only watch Martin it is incredible. He holds his width, drifts out, plays it back and never sprints, but in the end he pops up on the other side of the pitch, gets his body shape right and then there is Douvikas' one-on-one.

“Then he has the strength and ambition, as well as the hunger, to sprint into the box, slide in and put it in the net.

“It is a goal that shows you what kind of player he is. He is 23, he is part of the process, we found a place for him last year, he is growing, he goes to the World Cup, now he comes here full of confidence and with the humility and belief that he can tear the game open whatever the match."

However, with the player so sought after, Pochettino may well have to fight to get his man.

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