Man Utd striker snub! Red Devils failed to land Inter wonderkid Francesco Pio Esposito after seeing approach for exciting youngster knocked back

According to Football Italia, United and Atalanta have been turned away by Inter after making enquiries over potential transfers for young striker Esposito. The Red Devils' approach is thought to have been made in January, when the 20-year-old was starring for Serie B side Spezia, while Atalanta have been in contact more recently during negotiations over Ademola Lookman, who looks set to move to San Siro.

Esposito scored his first Inter goal at the Club World Cup during a 2-0 victory over River Plate, having returned from his Spezia loan spell where he scored 17 goals in 34 league matches. The Serie A giants have a long-term vision for the Italy Under-21 international and have no desire to sell him this summer.

United are thought to be in the market for a new striker this summer, with doubts emerging over Rasmus Hojlund's future after two difficult seasons at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim's side have been linked with Randal Kolo Muani in recent days, though they are in competition with Newcastle for the Frenchman.

United played their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Saturday as they were held to a 0-0 draw by rivals Leeds. Their next match comes against West Ham next week at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.