United now want to sign 21yo ‘strong player’ who has rejected Real Madrid – report | OneFootball

Manchester United are interested in signing one of Croatia’s best young players, according to Sky Sport Germany journalist Patrick Berger.

The Red Devils have invested big on emerging talents under INEOS and they are likely to continue the same policy despite the change of manager.

The acquisition of Leny Yoro from Lille was a statement signing last summer. The club also added talented youngsters such as Chido Obi-Martin and Sekou Kone to the academy.

It is now reported that United are interested in landing Martin Baturina, who has made the decision to leave Dinamo Zagreb for a bigger challenge next season.

The 21-year-old has a big admirer in Real Madrid star Luka Modric, but he has turned down a contract offer from Los Blancos due to their first-team plans for him.

The European champions want to loan him out in La Liga for a couple of seasons, but Baturina prefers to become a permanent fixture in a top team from the summer.

United are among the player’s admirers, but the £21 million ace sees the Bundesliga as the perfect step.

Baturina would be a fantastic signing for United

The 21-year-old made 17 goal contributions from 51 outings for Zagreb last term. He has continued his good form with nine goal involvements so far this campaign.

The playmaker has caught the eye with his performances in the Champions League. He scored and provided an assist in the 2-2 draw against Monaco last month.

Baturina was on the wrong side of a heavy 9-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the competition, but goalkeeper Manuel Neuer hailed him as a ‘strong player‘ after the game.

In our opinion, the Croatian sensation would be a quality signing for manager Ruben Amorim, who prefers to operate with a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation in every outing.

Baturina is an attacking midfielder by trade and he could be seen as a partner for Bruno Fernandes.

He is strong with the ball at his feet and likes to contest duels. He has averaged 2.7 key passes per outing. It appears a no-brainer decision to sign him for the price mentioned.

The only hindrance could be the playing time. Baturina seems to prefer a move to the Bundesliga where he could have an assured role from the starting line-up to aid his development.

Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com