Manchester United have made an approach for LDU Quito midfielder Oscar Zambrano, according to Ole.
The Argentinian sports newspaper claims that the Red Devils are “preparing to fight” other Premier League teams for the Ecuadorian’s signature.
Zambrano is also attracting interest from the likes of Luton Town, but Erik ten Hag’s side are said to be determined not to lose out on the player like they did on fellow countryman Moises Caicedo.
Difficulties with Caicedo’s agent led to United pulling the plug back in 2021, and Brighton ultimately agreed a deal to sign him from Independiente del Valle instead for £4.5m.
Caicedo would, of course, then go on to be sold by the Seagulls to Chelsea for a British record £115m last summer.
United have matched an offer from a Premier League rival
Luton were actually close to sealing a move for Zambrano but there is an issue that has stopped the deal from being finalised.
That has allowed United to swoop in and match the offer that the Hatters have made for the 19-year-old. There is still, though, no certainty over who will seal the player’s signature.
What is the complication in the deal for Zambrano?
Ole report that the teenager is due 15% of the transfer fee if he is sold in January, which is something that his club LDU Quito are not too happy about.
It means United and Luton will have to resolve this matter before completing the signing of Zambrano. Brighton are also said to be waiting in the wings so, if they don’t want to repeat what happened with Caicedo, the Red Devils know they need to get this issue resolved as soon as possible.
