Manchester Clubs To Battle Over Serie A Starlet

Manchester United and Manchester City look the most likely teams to be winning the Premier League this season. But before the title is decided the pair could be butting heads over a transfer target.

So far this season neither Manchester United or City have looked like they really need reinforcements, of course Jose Mourinho's side could possibly do with another striker until Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fit and Benjamin Mendy's injury throws open questions about City's depth but nothing too bad so far.

City are finally showing the potential their forward line has suggested for the last couple of seasons and the past month have shown just how good Guardiola's side could be.

_{Guardiola and Mourinho haven't been battling properly for a few years now. Image: PA}

Mourinho's side aren't far behind, literally only one goal on goal difference separates the teams, and the battle for the title is really hotting up, even if Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool will still fancy their chances.

And it might not be the pair's last battle of the season. Guardiola and Mourinho are used to going toe-to-toe and according to reports they could both be lining up moves for Roma's 21 year-old midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini.

_{Roma's young central midfielder is a target for the Premier League. Image: PA}

Tutto Mercato report that United have sent a scout to Italy to watch the 21 year-old during the Italian capital club's win over AC Milan on Sunday whilst Calciomercato say City watched him during their 3-0 win over Verona last month.

Money won't be an issue for either club, not that at it ever is, with both reports saying that the player has a £22 million transfer release clause in his contract, basically loose change at this point.

_{Pellegrini played for Italy's under 21s in last summer's European championships. Image: PA}

The Italian was a youth player at the Stadio Olimpico but played just one game for Roma's senior side before being sold to Sassuolo for just €1.25 million in the summer of 2015.

After two seasons for the Modena based side he moved back to his original team for his buy back clause of €10 million.

Topics: Manchester City, Manchester United, Serie A, Roma, Premier League, Italy

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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