MANCHESTER UNITED scouts took a first-hand look at highly promising Bologna teenager Amadou Diawara recently, according to reports in Italy.
The 18-year-old midfielder has made 31 appearances in Serie A this season after joining Bologna from San Marino in the summer.
And his exploits have alerted Premier League clubs with United, Manchester City, West Ham and Chelsea all interested.
But the Old Trafford outfit appear to have taken the first big step by sending scouts to watch Diawara – who is under contract at the Italian club until 2020 – during their 1-0 defeat to Torino last weekend and the Red Devils could be ready to make a move.
However, the situation appears far from straightforward.
Tribal Football reports: “The youngster has Bologna management split over his future.
“Bologna sports chief Claudio Fenucci believes he can raise £23million from his sale, while coach Roberto Donadoni insists they should keep hold of the youngster.
“Diawara is tied to Bologna until 2020 and on the modest salary of €80,000 (about £60,000).”
United will definitely need to boost their midfield stocks next season but as long as their managerial situation remains unresolved it’s difficult to see any potential moves going too far down the line.
However, clearly with big Premier League clubs already sniffing around, it’s unlikely Diawara will be at Bologna come the start of the 2016-17 campaign.
Should United spend £23million on an 18-year-old midfielder?
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