Alessio Romagnoli Admits English Offers, Manchester United Reportedly Interested

AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli has said he was offered the chance to move to the Premier League in the summer amid rumours Manchester United are reportedly lining up a January offer for the player.

According to Coral Barry of Metro, the Italy international said he could have transferred to England before signing a new deal at the San Siro:

"The renewal? A logical choice. I am fine with my teammates, with [Gennaro] Gattuso, with the fans. There were offers from the Premier League, but I feel at home here.

"I debuted against Milan in Serie A. Maybe it was my destiny. I like Milano, I only miss the sea of Neptune, maybe I will hang a picture of it in my room.

"Milan will win again. It is a solid club which will fight for the Champions League and go on in the Europa League. What has changed?"

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United missed out on all of their centre-back transfer targets last summer, and manager Jose Mourinho cut a disappointed figure throughout pre-season.

The Red Devils boss has watched his side sink in the Premier League after a set of poor performances, and UEFA Champions League pain could soon follow with the visit of Juventus to Old Trafford.

Per Barry, Mourinho reportedly sees Romagnoli as a potential solution to the issues he faces at the heart of his defence, but after the player's latest comments, it appears he is happy in Serie A.

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The 23-year-old displays leadership qualities—a factor not present in the United back-four—and the Italian would pass the ball out into midfield.

United lack technical ability at centre-back, and Romagnoli would walk straight into the starting XI at the Theatre of Dreams.

The defender made 28 appearances for Milan in Serie A last term as the Rossonerifinished sixth to claim a Europa League berth.

OptaPaolo highlighted the centre-back's defensive qualities ahead of the Milan derby:

United resume their Premier League campaign after the international break with a difficult trip to Chelsea on Saturday.

The Blues have been in excellent form under new coach Maurizio Sarri, and with Eden Hazard playing some of the best football of his career, United's defenders will be full of fear.

Mourinho has had to sit his central midfielders deep over the past 12 months in order to protect the defence, and the Red Devils will arrive in west London prepared to contain and steal a point.

It's imperative United sign a centre-back in January, but if Mourinho doesn't improve performances and results, he might not be in charge after Christmas.