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Manchester United join Chelsea in race to sign whizkid Pietro Pellegri — but Genoa owner is demanding £40million

Serie A wonderkid shot to prominence with two-goal showing in defeat to Lazio and is already target for big-hitters Juventus

MANCHESTER UNITED have joined Chelsea in the race to sign 16-year-old Italian sensation Pietro Pellegri.

However, sources close to Genoa have told us that chairman Enrico Preziosi will only consider a sale if they receive around £40million.

 Pietro Pellegri celebrates after scoring twice during 3-2 Serie A defeat to Lazio
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Pietro Pellegri celebrates after scoring twice during 3-2 Serie A defeat to LazioCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Pietro Pellegri in action for Genoa during narrow defeat to Inter Milan
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Pietro Pellegri in action for Genoa during narrow defeat to Inter MilanCredit: AFP

Pellegri shot to prominence when he made his debut at 15 — and became the youngest goal scorer in Serie A history last season.

Before, earlier in this campaign, netting twice in a 3-2 defeat to Lazio.

Antonio Conte is a massive fan of his fellow countryman, and would love to get him on board at Stamford Bridge

United, meanwhile, will be a striker light in the summer, and are keeping an eye on the Genoa starlet's development this season.

Having already lost Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unlikely to stay on for a further term and will depart at the of the campaign.

So the Red Devils could move then.

 Pietro Pellegri has been compared to former Chelses striker Pierluigi Casiraghi
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Pietro Pellegri has been compared to former Chelses striker Pierluigi CasiraghiCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Juventus are also interested in any top young, Italian talent — but would not spend big money on Pellegri.

With his 6"2 in frame, he has been likened by to many the powerhouse striker Christian Vieri, as well as Chelsea's former Italian ace Pierluigi Casiraghi.

And, having lost Giovanni Simeone, Genoa may well be relying on Pellegri to fire them to safety this season.

 Pietro Pellegri slides in to score for Genoa in 3-2 defeat to Lazio in Serie A
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Pietro Pellegri slides in to score for Genoa in 3-2 defeat to Lazio in Serie ACredit: EPA
 Pietro Pellegri's goal last season made him youngest goal scorer in Serie A history
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Pietro Pellegri's goal last season made him youngest goal scorer in Serie A historyCredit: Getty
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