Liverpool Leading Man Utd In Race To Sign £80m South American Hitman

The transfer window is closed but managers are working hard on their plans for the summer so we’ll bring you all the latest gossip from around the globe. Today, Liverpool are linked with Mauro Icardi…

Liverpool are leading Manchester United in the race to sign Inter Milan’s £80m-rated striker Mauro Icardi at the end of the season, according to a report by TeamTalk.

Icardi has developed in to one of the best strikers in Serie A since joining Inter from Sampdoria in 2013 and he’s enjoying a fine campaign having scored 22 goals in his 24 league games so far.

However, the Argentinean international’s future at the San Siro has been cast in doubt as talks over a new deal have failed to progress with Inter struggling to meet his wage demands.

TeamTalk claim that Icardi is demanding a new contract worth around £150,000-a-week but the Nerazzurri are unable to stretch that far as they need to balance the books to meet Financial Fair Play guidelines.

The situation has alerted teams in the Premier League as the report is citing Gazzetta dello Sport as saying that Liverpool and Man Utd are among the clubs showing a keen interest in signing Icardi this summer.

The Italian publication claims the strikers wife and agent, Wanda Nara, is in talks with potential suitors and Liverpool have emerged as the surprise front-runners for the South American’s signature.

Jurgen Klopp is expected to further strengthen his squad this summer and while Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah have forged a devastating attack, the Liverpool boss knows he needs more depth up front next season.

Icardi would be a superb addition to the squad if they could lure him to Anfield but we shouldn’t discount United just yet as they could yet provide some stiff competition.

Jose Mourinho is likely to be in the market for another striker this summer as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is off to America and United have the financial firepower to blow Liverpool out the water if they want Icardi badly enough.

No doubt Inter will do all they can to try and hold on to their star striker but TeamTalk suggest they may be forced to cash-in at around £80m if he doesn’t sign a new deal and it looks like Liverpool and United are ready to pounce.