Manchester United could make a bid for River Plate attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono during the next transfer window, according to ESPN reporter Jorge Baravalle.
The journalist has said that the Red Devils are “ready to move” for the 17-year-old, who they have been keeping close tabs on “for several years”.
Mastantuono does have a release clause in his contract which currently stands at €45m (£37.5m) and it remains to be seen whether River Plate would accept an offer below that amount.
The fact that there is fierce competition for the Argentinian Under 20 international’s signature does complicate matters.
Which clubs are interested in signing Mastantuono?
Another journalist, AS reporter Eduardo Burgos, spoke out about the teenager’s situation last week. Writing on his X account, he claimed that AC Milan are weighing up whether to pay his buyout fee.
Burgos confirmed United’s interest, whilst also mentioning that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have been following Mastantuono but he has ruled out Real Madrid from entering the transfer battle.
United are not exactly short of attacking midfielders
Mastantuono has played most of his senior football as a No.10 so far. The Red Devils already have the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount who can play into position if needed.
However, Mastantuono is left-footed and he has been deployed as a right winger on several occasions, so it is possible that the club are considering him as a potential replacement for Antony.
The Brazilian is expected to leave Old Trafford on loan in the New Year, having struggled for game time in the opening months of the campaign.
Due to his age, though, it would still be a surprise if Mastantuono was brought in by United to compete for starts straight away.
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here