Manchester United are eyeing up a move for Chelsea target Nicolo Barella, the Mirror reports, via Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Blues have been continuously linked with a move for the Cagliari midfielder throughout the January transfer window as they attempt to replace Cesc Fabregas, who left Stamford Bridge for AS Monaco earlier this month.
However, Maurizio Sarri could face competition in the race to sign the midfielder before the window shuts, as United look to step up their efforts to land Barella.
The Italian is said to be keen on a move to the United, who tabled an offer for the midfielder at the start of the month, though it reportedly fell short of Cagliari’s valuation.
Chelsea signed Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus in recent times, though their efforts to recruit a replacement for Fabregas appear to have failed thus far.
Leandro Paredes had been targeted alongside Barella by Chelsea, but the former has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a long-term contract.
