Manchester United reportedly tried to hijack Inter Milan's move for Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali - but may have left it too late.
Tonali appears to be on the verge of a loan move to Inter after impressing for Brescia last season, despite the club finishing second-bottom of Serie A.
The 20-year-old has been compared to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo, and has previously been linked with United and Liverpool as well as Inter, Juventus and Barcelona.
According to reports from Italy, Tonali will initially be loaned to Inter with an obligation to buy at €35million (£31m), which with bonuses could rise to €40m (£36m).
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