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Fabrizio Romano provides the latest on Man Utd’s striker plans, Ibrahim Maza and Nico Paz, while revealing the truth about Lionel Messi’s future at Inter Miami.

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Man Utd make major striker decision after Sesko injury

Romano has revealed that Manchester United are already exploring the striker market ahead of January following Benjamin Sesko’s injury.

“Sesko will be out at least until January, could be longer depending on the recovery process. Man United have decided internally with the staff, with the coach, with everyone at the club, that Sesko will only return to the pitch as soon as he is 100% fit,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“They don't want to face the risk of Sesko coming back for one game, two games, three games and getting injured again. He will only put his feet on the pitch again as soon as he feels very good.

“So, it could take time. United hope for January. Let's see when.

“Then, Manchester United are looking at strikers for the January transfer window. Considering the Sesko situation and considering that Joshua Zirkzee remains one to watch for 2027, we will see generally in the summer, but there is a chance for Zirkzee to leave.

“He already had many possibilities to leave the club in the summer transfer window. So, considering these factors and considering the fact that Man United are struggling up front, they have decided to explore the striker market for January.

“Manchester United are looking for a number nine, a traditional striker, let's say like this. Then let's see what's going to be available on the market. Let's see what kind of opportunities there will be. But Man United want to sign a striker. That's the update. That's the story.

“And we have to be careful because Man United want to consider a move regardless of what happens with the coach. So unless a new manager arrives and says: ‘I don't want a striker’, which sounds quite unlikely because United clearly need something up front, the club has started exploring opportunities for a new striker, a centre-forward.

“So let's see what's going to happen there.”

PSG deny making move for Bayer Leverkusen star Maza

Romano has also addressed the growing speculation linking Paris Saint-Germain with Bayer Leverkusen youngster Ibrahim Maza.

“Talking about more things, many questions regarding one of the best talents in the world, Ibrahim Maza,” Romano said.

“This is a special talent playing for Bayer Leverkusen, a very good player. He was in the top 10 for the best talent of the year at the Ballon d'Or. We are talking about a genuine top, top talent. This boy has big potential.

“Many links with Paris Saint-Germain over the recent days. Many of you are asking me: ‘Is it true that PSG are going for Ibrahim Maza? Is it true that PSG have started talks for Ibrahim Maza? Is it true that PSG want to sign Ibrahim Maza to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?’

“My answer, guys, is that Paris Saint-Germain are denying this information. PSG are sending a clear message. They are not working on a deal for Ibrahim Maza. No negotiations, no bid, no conversations. Zero.

“That's the answer from Paris Saint-Germain.

“Then, if you ask me, why are these stories coming out? What I can tell you is that it's normal to see Paris Saint-Germain people, so directors and scouts, travelling and looking at talents.

“That's part of the homework for top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain. To follow young players, to follow talented players is one thing. To say that a player could be a target, a potential negotiation and all the rest, at the moment is not confirmed at all by Paris Saint-Germain.

“So PSG are doing scouting. Then, if they will jump on the opportunity and go for the player, we will see. But at the moment, that's not the case.

“On Ibrahim Maza, there are several clubs following him because this boy has really something really, really special.”

Nico Paz has no chance of January transfer, says Romano

The future of Como star Nico Paz has also been a major talking point, with Arsenal interested in the Argentine star, but Romano insists there is no prospect of him leaving in January.

“Talking about young talents, I also wanted to speak again about Nico Paz. Guys, Nico Paz is incredible. He's producing goals and assists in every single game for Como. Serie A, Champions League, the boy is always delivering,” Romano said.

“He can play as an eight, he can play as a 10. Top player. So all the European top clubs are following him, but that's absolutely normal.

“Real Madrid have a buy-back clause, as I told you, of €80m valid only in summer 2027. From 2028, Real Madrid are no longer in control of the situation. So Real Madrid have the opportunity for summer 2027.

“I wanted to answer a question I'm receiving from many of you regarding Premier League clubs, regarding Real Madrid and all the rest. Is there a chance for Nico Paz to leave already in January to join a super top club, Real Madrid, or maybe a Premier League club, in the general transfer window?

“Because Nico is doing incredible. Many are falling in love with Nico, also with Argentina. Nico is doing very well. Also in the final game of Leo Messi with Argentina, Nico was delivering.

“And Nico has everything to become one of the best players in the world. He's already one of the best in Serie A, not only.

“So, the answer coming from my sources is 0% chances. Nico Paz will complete the season at Como. Whatever happens, even if Real Madrid arrive in January, even if other clubs from the Premier League arrive and say: ‘We want to put the money on the table’ - no chance.

“Como will not let Nico Paz go and Nico Paz doesn't want to leave Como. So they will continue together at least until the end of the season.

“Then we will see what happens. But the decision has been made by the club, by Nico himself. It's a pact they have together with Cesc Fabregas.

“So Como and Nico Paz will continue together. There is no chance for other clubs, Premier League or Real Madrid, in January.

“In the summer, that's another story. Real Madrid have a buy-back and I would not be surprised to see other clubs trying.

“But again, Como are more than happy with Nico and let Como enjoy Nico Paz.

“So that's the answer regarding, again, one of the best talents, potential top world-class players in the future.”

Romano gives clear verdict on Messi leaving Inter Miami

Romano has also dismissed reports that Lionel Messi could return to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys on loan.

“For Leo Messi, I wanted to update you on his situation with Inter Miami,” Romano said. “There have been reports today coming from Argentina saying Leo Messi can go back to Newell's Old Boys, because there is this possibility with Inter Miami to go, maybe on loan, and try an opportunity with Newell's Old Boys.

“We know Newell's is the Argentinian club where it all started for Leo Messi before Barcelona and before the legendary history of the Argentinian star.

“The answer I'm getting, guys, is that there is nothing. No chance for Messi on loan. No chance for Messi negotiating with Newell's Old Boys.

“Messi is very happy at Inter Miami. Messi and his family, together with his family as well, we have to mention the family because that's important as well. They are absolutely involved in this process with Inter Miami and very happy there.

“Messi's under contract until 2028. And my understanding is that Messi wants to respect his contract with Inter Miami until 2028.

“And let's see if they will continue beyond that. That's going to be up to Leo whenever he wants.

“So that's the story as of today. Full focus on Inter Miami. Not going on loan anywhere, not going on loan to Newell's Old Boys, despite these stories.

“Also, Messi is now busy with the Messi Cup, this project for young talents he's doing, very beautiful project. Now the final on the 1st of November, so the Messi Cup second edition is also coming to an end, and Messi is fully focused on that, on the games, obviously, with Inter Miami, but not on leaving the club at all.”