Chelsea target Pochettino is crystal clear on hijacking Man Utd talks

Mauricio Pochettino has made it crystal clear that he is a great admirer of Man Utd target Lautaro Martinez. Pochettino has hailed Martinez as ‘one of the world’s best’ and could be interested in acquiring his services if he becomes Chelsea’s next manager.

The ex-PSG boss is expected to become Chelsea’s new manager following the axing of Graham Potter last month. Despite many in the club calling to bring Pochettino in now, owner Todd Boehly remains committed to allowing Frank Lampard to carry out his duties as caretaker manager until the end of the season.

After this Pochettino is expected to take the reins at the club and will be tasked with having to sort out their terrible goal-scoring record. Chelsea have found the back of the net 31 times in the Premier League this season, the fourth worst in the topflight ahead of Nottingham Forest, Everton and Southampton, who all currently find themselves in the relegation zone.

Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have struggled to find their scoring boots all season and it is now a priority for the club to bring in a new Number 9. One such option could be Inter Milan goal machine Martinez.

The Argentine has three years left on his existing deal at the San Siro but has been linked with moves away in the summer. Man Utd are reportedly keen on snapping him up if they can’t secure the signature of top target Harry Kane while Chelsea may try their luck given how Pochettino rates him highly.

Speaking to Radio La Plata three years ago, Pochettino said: “Lautaro Martinez is one of the best strikers in the world. It’s not just for what he does now, but for what his potential means going forward. If you start looking at hitmen for the big clubs, clearly his name has to be in there.”

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that an intermediary came forward to talk with Inter Milan and bring United’s interest in the 25-year-old to the table. However, the Italian giants ‘didn’t even sit down’ to discuss the matter and aren’t willing to entertain any offers from the Red Devils.

And Inter have no intentions of letting their prized asset leave any time soon as they look to mount a challenge for the Serie A title next season.