Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to watch Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin during his side’s clash with Verona on Sunday.
The 23-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Premier League, but has seen reported interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool dissipate.
Having been a first-choice goalkeeper since he was a teenager, the youngster is regarded as one of the leading shot-stoppers for the future of the Azzurri when Gianluigi Buffon eventually hangs up his gloves.
In turn, Sky Sport Italia have claimed that United have sent their scouting team to watch him in action on Sunday, with a view of potentially signing him at the end of the season, as noted by Football Italia.
If true, it will certainly raise doubts over David de Gea’s long-term future at the club, with the Spaniard linked with a move to Real Madrid last summer.
While the move to the Spanish capital collapsed on the last day of the transfer window, the former Atletico Madrid star has since repaired his relationship with coach Louis van Gaal and has returned to being the club’s number one choice between the posts.
However, if Perin does interest Old Trafford officials enough to send scouts to watch him, then it will naturally raise questions about whether or not they are planning for life without De Gea sooner rather than later.
The Premier League giants will arguably have other immediate matters on their mind following their loss to Southampton on Sunday, but Van Gaal has certainly shown a desire to buy for the future with the likes of Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial arriving during his tenure.