The young striker is the top goal-scorer in Roma’s youth academy team and is already one of the star players of the Italian under-17 side.
According to Il Romanista, United’s interest is the reason for Petrucci rejecting Roma's offer, with the Old Trafford club reportedly offering highly increased wages and the prospect of a house in Manchester so that the player can move along with his family.
In Italy, clubs are not required to sign players to a professional contract before they turn nineteen, however, Roma had made an exception with Petrucci specifically to prevent foreign clubs from poaching their young talent.
However, the youngster has turned down Roma’s offer in order to consider his options and await any other potential offers for his services, following contact between his agent and United.
The relationship between Serie A clubs with those in the Premier League is already strained after English clubs were criticised for persistently exploiting regulations in their favour to try to sign young Italian players.
Petrucci’s situation is extremely similar to those that saw United sign ex-Parma youngster Giuseppe Rossi and Arsenal add Arturo Lupoli before they could legally sign a professional deal in Italy.
Roma are determined to take a hard line against the player, and Petrucci has been left out of training for the previous three days, much like Pique was at Barcelona before he left for Old Trafford - just before he turned 16.
goal.com