Inter players expect Manchester United target to join Barcelona

Inter players are convinced star striker Lautaro Martinez will join Barcelona this summer despite interest from Manchester United, claims The Daily Telegraph.

Martinez has emerged as one of the best young forwards in Europe this season after thriving in Mauro Icardi's absence.

United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a big admirer of the 22-year-old and expressed an interest in signing the Argentina international in January.

The Red Devils missed out on Erling Haaland to Borussia Dortmund at the start of the year before turning their attention to Martinez.

However, Martinez's entourage have made it clear the Inter striker only has eyes for Barcelona and playing with fellow countryman Lionel Messi.

Martinez reportedly has a £92M release clause in his current deal and his Inter team-mates expect him to join Barcelona once the transfer window re-opens.

It will serve yet another blow to United and their search for a new striker, amid fresh reports claiming Tottenham will not sell Harry Kane to their Premier League rivals.

Into his second season at Inter, Martinez has already scored five more league goals in 2019/20 (11) than he managed in his first year a the club.

Martinez may need to brush up on his ball-retention skills before a potential move to Barcelona, however, with a pass success rate of just 59.5% in Serie A this season.