Man Utd Battling Aston Villa to Sign Martin Baturina After Bid Rejected

He studied journalism at the University of South Wales and published a football book, named Bluebird Heaven, around the same time with Pitch Publishing.

Since then, Jamie has continued to specialise in football journalism, PR and football-related Spanish translation. He has worked with a number of media companies, including Reach PCL, Iconic Group and many more over a decade-long career. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Manchester United are said to be interested in a quickly-ascending attacking midfielder who has already attracted a Premier League offer this summer. The Red Devils have already invested in their squad this summer with the signing of Ederson, and more signings are expected to follow.

Michael Carrick has holes to fill, especially in the midfield and at left-back, and despite the signing of Ederson, we could well see another two signings in the middle of the park between a defensive midfielder and one capable of adding to the attack.

And another name has now emerged when it comes to the latter.

Croatia midfielder Martin Butarina is said to be a possible option for United this summer, and interest in the creative midfielder is increasing rapidly. The Como star is coming off the back of an impressive season that saw him score eight and assist four to help Cesc Fabregas' side to European qualification in Serie A.

Butarina, who is still only 23 years of age, is with Croatia at the World Cup this summer, and he scored against England with a super-strike in his nation's group stage opener, though it ended in a 4-2 defeat.

Even before then, interest in the 'creative genius' was building quickly, and Sky Italia say a €50m Premier League offer has already been rejected this summer. Speculation suggests that the offer came from Aston Villa, but the club is unconfirmed.

Sky Sports Italia say United are among the clubs interested in the Croatian this summer, even if their main focus is likely to be on the holding role as they look to replace Casemiro.

A host of Italian clubs are also credited with an interest at this stage.

Speaking last year, Como boss Fabregas praised Baturina and his importance to his team. He said: “He showed he deserves to play, he showed what kind of player he is. Baturina can still show much more, there’s a lot in him. He scored against Milan and Monaco, he is a player of great quality. Yes, he has to keep working, and he did a very important defensive job as well, just like Nico Paz. That’s the kind of work that often goes unnoticed.”

"Baturina must be part of Como’s present and future. I have to find the right position for him because it’s not ideal for him to occupy the same space as Nico. Tactically, we can use him in other roles. I think he can play as part of a midfield duo, but he must remain calm. I believe in him; he has shown me a lot.”

He added a little later in the year: "He's a very intelligent player, He can play with anyone."

Michael Carrick has a hole to fill in the midfield at Old Trafford