After a fabulous start to the new season both at club and international level, Torino and Italy striker Andrea Belotti is becoming the talk of the town both at home and abroad. The author of 11 goals already this season (eight in Serie A and 3 for the Azzurri), the 22-year-old is earning himself the reputation of being one of Europe’s deadliest marksmen.
 

Torino President Urbano Cairo knows he has a prime asset on his hands and is set to give his star player a pay increase on his current €800,000 plus bonus a season. Belotti has a current contract with the club until 2020 and the patron is already keen to discuss a further extension and insert a buy-out clause that will only be available to clubs outside of the peninsula.  

Editions of this morning's La Gazzetta dello Sport report that there is huge interest for Belotti from the Premier League; last summer, champions Leicester City, West Ham United and Arsenal all made enquiries but Torino resisted. Now comes an even bigger challenge with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho having already sent his observers to see the player in action. The “Special One” knows that to prize the youngster away from Turin will take a special price; at this moment in excess of €50 million.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler