Manchester United to battle Real Madrid to sign wonderkid - Reports

Manchester United are reportedly in the fray with Real Madrid for Dinamo Zagreb attacker Martin Baturina. The 21-year-old was in action this week in his side's UEFA Champions League opener at Bayern Munich.

Although the Bavarians ran out 9-2 winners, with Harry Kane helping himself to a quadruple, Baturina grabbed eyeballs before the match. Bayern custodian Manuel Neuer described the player:

“The No.10, Baturina, is a strong player.”

As per Sky Sport Deutschland (via Football Transfer), the Red Devils and Los Blancos are eyeing Baturina, with Atletico Madrid, AS Roma and Fiorentina also said to be in the fray.

He has had a good start to the new season, bagging four assists - including three on the opening day of the Croatian top-flight season - in five games across competitions.

Although he's contracted to Dinamo till 2028, it seems only a matter of time before he joins one of the club's illustrious recent exports like Josko Gvardiol, Dani Olmo and Los Blancos veteran Luka Modric.

It's pertinent to note that Modric has had words of praise for his compatriot, who's the most expensive player in the Croatian top division right now, with an estimated transfer value of €11.4 million (as per Football Transfers).

---

What's next for Manchester United and Real Madrid?

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

Manchester United and Real Madrid have had contrasting starts to their respective campaigns. The Red Devils opened their season with a shootout loss to Manchester City in the FA Community Shield.

They commenced their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 home win over Fulham but slumped to back-to-back losses at Brighton & Hove Albion (2-1 away) and Liverpool (3-0 at home).

Erik ten Hag's side returned to winning ways with a 3-0 league win at Southampton before thumping Barnsley 7-0 at home in their EFL Cup opener in midweek. Manchester United next take on Crystal Palace on Saturday in the league.

Meanwhile, Madrid have had a slow but unbeaten start to the new season. After beating reigning UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw, they drew 1-1 at Mallorca in their La Liga opener.

Carlo Ancelotti's side then beat Real Valladolid 3-0 at home before drawing 1-1 at Las Palmas. Since then, they have had consecutive 2-0 league wins (Real Betis away, Real Sociedad at home) and a 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart at home in the Champions League. They next take on Espanyol at home in La Liga on Saturday.