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Italy midfielder to be observed by Manchester United this weekend – report

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Manchester United willl send a scout to watch Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella in action against Napoli on Sunday, according to reports.

Nicolo Barella

The Italy international has been heavily linked with a move away from Sardinia this summer after an impressive campaign in Serie A. 

Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira has reported that the 22-year-old will be watched by an Old Trafford representative during this weekend's league match at the Stadio San Paolo.

United are said to be interested in making a move for the central midfielder this summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans a summer overhaul of his squad.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is also understood to be a target, but the Italian club's president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not willing to sell him for less than his €150 million (£129 million) asking price. 

Barella has made 31 appearances for his club this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

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Alasdair Mackenzie

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.