Manchester United have been linked with Italy international Antonio Candreva. His impressive performance at this year's Confederations Cup has attracted interest from United manager David Moyes, reported The Mirror.
Candreva was signed by Udinese in June 2007 and has since been loaned out to several clubs including Juventus, Livorno and Cesena. Since January 2012, he has been on loan at Rome club Lazio, where he has scored ten goals in 64 appearances.
United will likely have to battle Napoli for his signature, as Rafael Benetiz is also believed to be interested in the player.
Although his preferred position is as a playmaker coming from midfield, Candreva is also well-adept at playing as a winger. The player started the quarterfinal against Spain, putting in a tireless, tactically disciplined performance. He even took a penalty in the shoot-out after the game, arrogantly chipping the ball past Iker Casillas, in a move reminiscent of Andrea Pirlo in the 2010 World Cup. As a testament to his character, Candreva stepped up to take the first penalty.
David Moyes will be keen to make new additions to his United squad, to ensure they remain competitive in the Premier League. Along with Candreva, the club has been linked with Everton left-back Leighton Baines. However, new Everton manager Roberto Martinez has made it clear that Baines' future is at Everton.
"I think Leighton is more than a player, he is an icon," Martinez told the Liverpool Echo adding, "he represents a lot about our football club and I am really, really excited about Leighton."
Martinez joined Everton after the departure of Moyes to Manchester. It was rumoured that Baines would follow Moyes out of Everton.
"This is a big season for him and for us as a club," Martinez continued. "When you are the left-back of this football club, and the level that he has been reaching over the last few years consistently, it shows me that he is the best left-back in the country. I can't wait to start working with him."
