Manchester United identify Roma ace as alternative to Serbian World Cup star

Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach for AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Red Devils had initially earmarked Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as one of their prime midfield targets for the summer but they are now said to have reservations over the move for the Serbian.
According to The Manchester Evening News, United have been put off by Lazio’s hefty valuation for Milinkovic-Savic this summer while they are also concerned with the midfielder’s limited exposure to the Champions League. The Serbian has only featured in a qualifier for the elite competition back in 2015 and the midfielder has since managed 15 appearances in Europe, all of which have come via the Europa League.
As such, Pellegrini has emerged as a potential target for United after impressing during his comeback with the Giallorossi last term. Over the course of the 2017/18 season, Pellegrini was praised for his good workrate alongside his wide passing range and he was part of the team which made it to the semi-final of the Champions League for the first time since 1984.
Compared to Milinkovic-Savic, Pellegrini would be available for a relatively cheaper sum owing to the £26m release clause written into his contract but United would no doubt face competition with Arsenal among others said to be keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s developments.
Meanwhile, there could also be the concern of playing time on the field with Jose Mourinho having most of the midfield positions sorted out. United have most-recently completed the signing of Fred, who is likely to partner Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in a midfield three next term and Pellegrini may not be keen on playing a back-up role with the likes of Ander Herrera and Scott McTominay present to provide further competition.