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Man Utd news: Old Trafford chiefs to lure Pellegrini with double-your-money offer
MANCHESTER UNITED are willing to double Lorenzo Pellegrini’s wages to convince him to move from Roma, according to reports in Italy.
Man Utd won't improve unless Mourinho goes says expert
The Italian, 22, is rated as one of the best midfield prospects in Europe and United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly desperate to sign him.
Corriere dello Sport say club chiefs are willing to double his current earnings which are believed to be in the region of £1.8million per year plus bonuses.
Roma are understood to be reluctant to sell in January but his contract includes a release clause of €30m (£27m).
Sporting director Monchi is said to want to begin negotiations over a new deal that would see the clause removed - or increased significantly at the very least.
Pellegrini has impressed for Eusebio Di Francesco’s side with two goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
Yet he is more known for his ball-winning qualities - something Mourinho is known to admire as he seeks to improve his defence.
Mourinho was upset at the club’s failure to sign a new centre-back in the summer.
He saw deals for Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld and Jerome Boateng fail to materialise.
And the Portuguese will reportedly be given a £100m war chest to turn around their season.
United are currently eighth in the Premier League and a whopping seven points off the Champions League places after only 12 games.
Express Sport understands Mourinho is also looking at Brighton defender Lewis Dunk.
Some reports claim he also wants to bring in Gary Cahill from Chelsea on loan.
Meanwhile, Eric Bailly could be sold to help fund any deals after falling out of favour with Mourinho.
AC Milan are said to be interested in the Ivorian, while rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with a move.