Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United turn down deadline day deal for highly-rated striker

Manchester United are in the market for a new forward on transfer deadline day and it is understood they have also rejected an offer for a striker already at the club.

Fabrizio Romano claims United turned down an approach from Serie A side Como to sign teenage striker Gabriele Biancheri after his tremendous exploits at academy level this season. The 18-year-old has scored 16 goals in 17 club appearances so far, and six goals in six international appearances for Wales.

Biancheri is viewed as a player with potential first-team credentials at Old Trafford and United have no plans to lose him in the final hours of the window as they work on a deal for a forward themselves. The transfer interest is a stark reminder of his talent and the issues United could face trying to keep him at the club if he is not given senior opportunities under Ruben Amorim.

A move to Italy would make sense amid international uncertainty

Biancheri is already a regular for Wales at U19 level and is very much on manager Craig Bellamy's radar amid a possible senior call-up later in the year. The Cardiff-born youngster is very proud to represent his country of birth but is also eligible to represent Italy at international level.

The Football Association of Wales have been keen to play down the suggestion Biancheri could choose to represent Italy instead, though a move to Serie A would certainly increase the likelihood of him catching the eye of the Azzurri. Como have been a surprise package of the Italian top-flight this season under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, with Dele Alli another player who recently joined the club.

Ruben Amorim accepts youngsters might need to be sold

Speaking last week, United head coach Amorim addressed the warped PSR rules that incentivise the sale of academy products due to the fact any transfer fee received is classified as pure profit. They are certainly timely, given United could ease their tight financial situation by selling someone like Biancheri rather than Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo.

"I want players like Kobbie and Garnacho," said Amorim. "The focus is that we have to improve our academy. And you have to bring more [through]. That is something that all the clubs in England have to take advantage of. The players that come from their academies. To play, to feel the shirt, but also to sell them. So our focus is to bring more [through]."

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