English Premier League giant Manchester United is reportedly preparing a $34 million bid for defensive midfielder Alessandro Florenzi of Serie A club AS Roma as the Red Devils are said to be keen to improve their midfield and defense for next season.

TalkSport indicated that "The 25-year-old has caught the eye in Serie A this season and has attracted clubs' interest from around Europe" - one of these clubs is Old Trafford.

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The 5-foot-8 Rome native is said to be versatile enough to be able to "play at full-back or on the wing." He has so far scored six times in 25 appearances for the capital city squad this season mainly as a defender.

Florenzi is already in his sixth season with I Giallorossi. He was loaned to Serie B team FC Crotone during the 2011-2012 season.

The Italian footballer came from Roma's youth academy and began his senior career with the club in 2010, appearing in a total of 160 games and scoring 22 goals in the process.

Talksport claims the Red Devils "have dispatched scouts to watch the Italy international in recent weeks and they've been impressed by what they've seen." Florenzi is apparently one of Louis van Gaal's primary targets in the summer if he will remain as United's head coach.

There are rumors that the 64-year-old Dutch bench tactician is set to be replaced by either assistant coach Ryan Giggs or former Chelsea champion manager Jose Mourinho at the end of the season because of the Red Devils' current poor performance.

If ever the Manchester Club successfully snags Florenzi out of Italy, speculations abound that he will replace the disappointing Matteo Darmian as United's starting right back.

Caught Offside noted, however, that Chelsea and Barcelona are also interested in acquiring Florenzi.

If that is the case, then it will be a tough battle between the three world-class clubs for the services of the young defender.

TagsFootball, Football Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors 2016, Manchester United, AS Roma, Alessandro Florenzi, FC Barcelona, Chelsea FC