Manchester United have joined Chelsea in the race for Como midfielder Martin Baturina, according to TEAMtalk. Lewis Oldham’s report on Friday morning says both clubs have “communicated” their interest to Como and that a deal could be done for €80m (£67m). The article carries no statement from United, Chelsea or Como, and it does not describe a bid.

TEAMtalk, a tier-two outlet in our rating, links The Daily Briefing as the original report, and the quotes come from an unnamed source. Treat it as an early rumour.

Our other Man Utd posts today: Pochettino’s Man Utd Test and Carrick’s Man Utd Downfall.

What TEAMtalk says about Baturina

TEAMtalk describes the 23-year-old as one of Serie A’s “most exciting talents”, with five goals and two assists in 14 appearances for Como this season. It says the recruitment staff at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge like him, and that both clubs are in direct contact with Como.

The report quotes an unnamed source saying the clubs are “a long way from an agreement”. The gap in valuations is put at no less than €20m. Baturina is described as not actively pushing to leave Como.

The page gives no contract length or wage figures, so there is nothing to put in a table. The €80m is the only price, and TEAMtalk does not say who set it.

Why United would look at him now

TEAMtalk says United are short at left-back, centre-back, left wing and up front, and that it has been widely reported that defenders come first in January and next summer. A creative midfielder is not at the top of that list, which tells you where this one sits: a name to watch for the summer, more than a January job for Mauricio Pochettino.

Where the report is thin

One tier-two outlet, relaying one outlet, relying on one unnamed source. I found no tier-one outlet matching the Chelsea and United interest on Friday morning, and the stage is interest and early contact, not talks over a fee. The price is unconfirmed.

The window and the next sign

The winter window opens on 1 January 2027 and closes on 1 February at 11pm UK time, according to Arsenal’s site. Until a club moves with a formal offer or Como respond, expect more reports than facts.