Some players announce themselves to the world suddenly.
A run of goals.
And then the scouts start showing up.
First from one club, then another, until the interest becomes impossible to ignore.
That’s exactly the moment Pio Esposito has just entered.
And Manchester United were in the stands to see it happen.
Manchester United scouts watch Esposito score for Italy again as teenager remains target
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United scouts were present at Italy’s recent fixture against Greece, with the 20-year-old starting and scoring for the Azzurri in a performance that only strengthened the belief among United’s recruitment staff that he possesses the attributes to develop into a top-level centre-forward.
It wasn’t his first scouting visit either.
Manchester United were also represented for Italy’s match against Luxembourg, with Esposito starting and scoring in both fixtures.
Back-to-back games. Back-to-back goals. Back-to-back appearances from United’s scouts.
Thus, the timing is not coincidental.
Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, with Inter Milan among the clubs interested in the Dutch forward.
However, Esposito’s numbers at Inter Milan this season have been impressive for a 20-year-old operating in Serie A.
10 goals and six assists across the campaign.
A return that has raised him from highly-rated prospect to genuine first-team option at one of Europe’s most competitive clubs.
Yet, Inter Milan aren’t rushing to sell.
Club sources have consistently spoken highly of Esposito’s progress and there is a strong belief within the San Siro hierarchy that he can be central to the club’s future.
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