Chelsea and Manchester United have both reportedly opened talks with Como regarding a possible move for Martin Baturina next year.

The Croatia international, who scored against England at this summer’s World Cup, has established himself as one of Serie A’s most exciting attackers since his arrival at Como and his form has attracted substantial transfer interest in recent months.

The 23-year-old has scored five goals and provided two assists in 14 games across all competitions so far this season, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has skyrocketed to a career-high of €58.1 million.

Baturina, who is capable of playing as a left winger or as an attacking midfielder, has been linked with Chelsea and Man Utd on numerous occasions over the past few months, and both clubs have now initiated early talks with Como ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

That is according to The Daily Briefing, who report that Chelsea and Man Utd are “pushing” to sign Baturina, having earmarked him as one of their top targets for 2027.

It’s understood that Baturina hasn’t requested to leave Como next year, amid their eye-catching form under Cesc Fabregas, although the Serie A club may be forced to accept a sale if they receive an offer worth €80m.

Martin Baturina: Man Utd’s replacement for Bruno Fernandes?

Bruno Fernandes has been Man Utd’s most important player since his arrival at the club from Sporting CP in January 2020, but he appears to be edging closer towards the exit door.

The Portugal international is currently set to become a free agent next summer and while Man Utd have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, a departure seems highly likely as things stand.

Fernandes has now rejected a second contract extension offer from the Man Utd hierarchy, as per multiple reports, with his future at Old Trafford in serious doubt as a result.

The club are optimistic that the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino may help to persuade Fernandes to extend his stay, although this is far from guaranteed and interest in Baturina suggests that Man Utd are now preparing for the Portugal star’s exit.