MANCHESTER CITY have received a huge boost in their transfer pursuit of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
City are said to be interested in signing the Argentine assassin along with Premier League title rivals Liverpool.
Man City have been given a boost in their pursuit of Inter star Martinez Credit: Reuters
Inter are said to want Monchengladbach striker Thuram to replace Martinez if he leaves Credit: Getty Although Martinez recently penned a contract extension with the Scudetto Champions until 2026, they’re still preparing for his possible departure by scouting for a replacement.
And according to Tuttosport, via Football Italia, Inter have identified Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram as the man to fill Martinez’s boots if he decides to leave.
But Inter and Monchengladbach are at loggerheads over the French attacker’s worth., with the Italians reportedly unwilling to pay Thuram’s release clause of £37.7million.
The Nerazzurri have concerns over Thuram’s niggling knee issues that prevented him from joining them last summer.
Simeone Inzaghi’s side reportedly wrapped up a £16.5m plus £4.4m in add-ons transfer fee for Thuram before he suffered a knee injury just as the deal was about to go through.
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But with City and Liverpool ardently pursuing Martinez, Inter have reignited their interest in French legend Lillian Thuram’s son.
However, even if Inter manage to secure Thuram’s services, City will have to also fend off Atletico Madrid’s attempt to sign Martinez.
The La Liga outfit reportedly sent scouts to watch Martinez in action during the Milan derby at the San Siro last week.
Martinez failed to have an impact in the Coppa Italia first-leg against AC Milan and was subbed at half-time in the drab 0-0 draw.
But Martinez hasn’t always been so quiet in the usually hotly-tested derby game.
Last month, Martinez allegedly SPAT at rival Theo Hernandez after a huge brawl broke out at the end.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk