Pellegrini’s agent rubbishes talk of Manchester United switch

The agent of Lorenzo Pellegrini has moved to deny suggestions his client could join Manchester United and insists the midfielder is happy at current club Roma.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting United manager Jose Mourinho is keen on the Italy international and his £27m release clause, which becomes active in the month of June.

Pellegrini is highly rated in Italy but his agent, Giampiero Pocetta, insists there is no truth in claims the 22-year-old will become a United player in the near future.

“I’m sorry that rumours have spread about financial aspects relating to him and his team-mates, that for Lorenzo have never been important,” he told Corriere dello Sport, via Sky Sports. “He doesn’t live for meetings, especially financial ones.

“He’s getting what he deserves on the pitch, and the rumours about the transfer market have never distracted him nor disturbed him.

“Pellegrini is only thinking about improving with, and for, Roma. These issues don’t count for now, it’s normal that Pellegrini is liked. Lorenzo is happy though, he’s already chosen Roma once.

“Then, when it’s time, we’ll sit down with Monchi [Roma’s sporting director] again.”

Roma activated their £9m buy-back option in Pellegrini in the summer of 2017 following an impressive one-year stint at Italian side Sassuolo.

Pellegrini has started eight league games for Roma this season and made one further appearance from the bench, contributing three goals in that time (one goal, two assists).

United often struggle to create chances from midfield, especially when Paul Pogba is not playing, and Pellegrini would certainly help fix that.

In fact, Pellegrini ranks in the top-10 in Serie A and the Champions League this season for key passes per game (2.3 and 3.5, respectively).