Inter Milan plot surprise move for striker who was on Manchester United's radar before Rasmus Hojlund - Reports

Inter Milan are reportedly plotting a move for FC Porto frontman Mehdi Taremi, who Manchester United monitored before signing Rasmus Hojlund.

According to Football Italia, Inter have reopened talks with Taremi's representatives to explore a free transfer next summer. The Iranian's contract with Porto expires in June 2024 and he can strike a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January.

The Nerazzurri eyed Taremi during the summer after deciding not to resign Romelu Lukaku. However, Porto opted not to cash in on the 31-year-old, and the Serie A giants instead signed Marcus Thuram on a free transfer.

Calciomercato.com reports that Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is overseeing the potential deal. They are trying to clarify the Iran international's intentions ahead of January.

Taremi has managed two goals and one assist in 11 games across competitions this season. It follows an impressive 2022-23 campaign which saw him net 31 goals and 14 assists in 51 games across competitions.

That form led to him being linked with a move to Manchester United as Erik ten Hag sought a new center-forward. It was claimed that the Porto frontman had attracted interest from both the Red Devils and Everton.

However, Ten Hag instead signed Hojlund, 20, from Atalanta for £72 million. The Dane has hit the ground running at Old Trafford with three goals in eight games across competitions.

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Manchester United star Hojlund makes the final cut for the Golden Boy 2023 award

The Red Devils new striker has made the cut.

Hojlund is among the final list of nominees for the Golden Boy award this year. The Manchester United striker enjoyed a superb last year for both club and country.

The Danish forward bagged 10 goals and four assists in 34 games across competitions for Atalanta. He's also shining on the international stage with six goals in eight caps to date.

Hojlund's move to Manchester United came amid interest from several European giants including Paris Saint-Germain. As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he rejected the Ligue 1 giants because he wanted to play for his dream club.

The former Sturm Graz striker joins an impressive list of nominees including Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham and Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde. Meanwhile, the Premier League is represented by Hojlund, Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson, Chelsea's Levi Colwill, and Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez.

The award ceremony will take place on December 4 and former Manchester United talents do have a history of success. Wayne Rooney (2004), Anderson (2008), Paul Pogba (2013), and Anthony Martial (2015) have all won the Golden Boy award.