Manchester United 'willing to pay £52m for Nicolo Zaniolo'

Manchester United have reportedly informed Roma that they would be willing to pay £52m to sign Italian midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

Last week, it was claimed that United wanted to hold talks with Roma over a potential move for Zaniolo, who has scored three times in his last four Serie A appearances.

The Red Devils could allegedly use the Italian club's interest in Chris Smalling, who is currently on loan at Stadio Olimpico, in a bid to beat a number of clubs to the 20-year-old's signature.

According to Il Messaggero, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have signalled that they would be prepared to pay as much as £52m in order to secure a deal for the former Inter Milan attacker.

The report claims that the 20-time English champions could face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, though, with the French champions also huge admirers of the youngster.

Zaniolo has contributed two goals in five caps for the Italian national team.