Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono amid growing interest from Manchester United, according to Sport.
The 17-year-old is considered the next big thing at River Plate. He has had a superb start to the new season with five goals and four assists from 16 outings.
Sport now reveal that Madrid already agreed terms with the Argentine wonderkid last year, but they were unwilling to meet the £38 million buy-out clause to purchase him.
Los Blancos did not return for the teenager in January, but they have accelerated their push this summer with the growing interest from United as well as Liverpool.
The player’s representatives are negotiating terms with the Madrid giants, but the club still need to find a solution with River, who are holding out for the release clause.
Madrid aim to pay £25m upfront with the remaining as add-ons.
Madrid have had a disappointing La Liga and Champions League campaign. They will have Xabi Alonso as the new manager next month, with Carlo Ancelotti having accepted the Br azil job.
Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is poised to become their first major summer signing. An agreement has been reached over the fee (£50m) and talks are advanced over personal terms.
They are now focused on Mastantuono, who can operate in attacking midfield or on the right wing.
Personal terms don’t appear an issue, but the price tag remains a stumbling block. In our view, United risk losing the emerging talent to Madrid unless they are proactive in negotiations.
United aim to land Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha to bolster the attacking department, but Mastantuono would be a superb long-term signing with his immense potential.
Mastantuono, who also holds an Italian passport, has averaged more than three dribbles per game with 7.8 duels won. He has made five recoveries and almost two tackles on average.
At just 17, the Argentine has excelled with his all-round attributes and would be a good acquisition under manager Ruben Amorim, who has a fine track record of developing young talent.
United must agree on a package close to the buy-out clause to persuade River. We believe the club can certainly do so if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The Red Devils can’t formally sign Mastantuono until he turns 18 on August 14 due to Brexit rules, but an advanced transfer agreement could be reached with the player and the club.