Manchester United must qualify for the Champions League this season if they are to capture the signature of Torino's Andrea Belotti or else rivals Chelsea, could beat them to it, according to The Daily Star.

The current Serie A leading goal scorer with 25 goals so far this season, Belotti is understandably one of the most sought after strikers in the world and he wants to challenge himself at the highest level.

Last year, Torino inserted a £84m release clause in the striker's contract, something he says has no impact on the way he plays football.

"I never stopped to think about the weight of that €100m tag, because I always thought I should prove my worth on the pitch and those performances would ultimately set my value," said Belotti via Sky Sports Italia.

The money isn't an issue for United, who showed last summer that they're not afraid to break the bank or world records to bring quality to Old Trafford. What will be a problem for the Red Devils is their Champions League qualification, or potential lack there of.

Belotti has likened playing in the Champions League to playing in the World Cup, calling it a "dream for any player."

If United don't pull their fingers out, their rivals such as Chelsea and Manchester City, could swoop in from underneath them and sign their man.