Report: Lautaro Martinez prefers Barcelona move amid United interest

Lautaro Martinez apparently favors a summer transfer to Barcelona amid interest from a host of European heavyweights.

Manchester United have reportedly joined the pursuit for the Inter Milan forward, but ESPN's Mark Ogden understands they are likely to be disappointed once again in their hunt for firepower.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also believed to be monitoring Martinez.

The 22-year-old is becoming an increasingly important member of the Argentina national team, and his partnership with Lionel Messi is a contributing factor in his preference for a move to the Camp Nou. Martinez joined Inter from Racing Club for £20 million in 2018 and has a €111-million release clause written into his contract.

The Buenos Aires native has flourished alongside ex-United marksman Romelu Lukaku in Inter's attack this term, scoring 16 goals across 24 starts in Serie A and the Champions League.

A Martinez snub would be yet another setback in United's search for a striker. They failed to land Erling Haaland during the January transfer window - the Norwegian has since scored seven goals in under 150 Bundesliga minutes for Borussia Dortmund - and Ogden claims they are preparing to give Alexis Sanchez a second chance when he returns from his Inter loan after this season.