Manchester United face competition in race to sign Mauro Icardi

One of Manchester United's big summer targets appears to be Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, though the Argentine won't come easily -- or come cheap. According to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, United manager-in-waiting José Mourinho "will do anything" to make Icardi one of his first signings at Old Trafford, though Chelsea are also believed to be interested in signing the 23-year-old. However, the Italian outfit will reportedly not consider any offer short of €40 million. Steep.

But then again, Icardi is doubtless one of the top attacking talents in football at the moment. Serie A is not what it once was, but it is still a disciplined league in which intelligent tactical play is generally prioritised over all else. To put it another way, scoring goals isn't easy. As such, for Icardi to have scored 47 goals in 95 appearances since moving from Sampdoria a few seasons back is rather telling of his talent.

He's a fine attacking all-rounder, matching a poacher's instinct with the physicality of a talented target man. He's similar both in style and physique to Robin van Persie. If he's to have even half the impact of the Dutchman, he'd surely be worth every penny.