Manchester United express interest in £29m-rated River Plate midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on River Plate star Franco Mastanuono.

A total of eight Argentina internationals have represented Manchester United, where fans have been known to sing ‘Ar-gen-tina’ on the terraces.

The current United squad consists of two — Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho – and they’re adored by the Old Trafford faithful.

Juan Sebastian Veron was the first Argentine to sign for United in 2001, joining as an established midfielder from Lazio. It didn’t work out as Veron flopped in a red shirt, but Gabriel Heinze was a success after him before he threatened to join Liverpool.

Since then, we’ve had Carlos Tevez, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria and Sergio Romero in United colours.

The point we are getting to is that Argentina has a habit of producing world-class talent – from Alfredo Di Stefano, Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona to Gabriel Batistuta, Juan Riquelme and Lionel Messi.

In Buenos Aires, River Plate is a hotspot for generating young stars that move on to Europe. We’ve seen that in recent years with Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez.

Manchester United identify Franco Mastanuono as a target

Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

The latest talent to emerge is 17-year-old attacking midfielder Franco Mastanuono.

Mastanuono is currently valued at €13m and he has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in South America right now.

According to Argentine football expert La Perla, United hold the most interest in signing Mastantuono and the club has already been in contact with the player’s entourage.

The youngster started playing for River Plate’s senior team at just 16 and he was trusted to play in big games such as the Copa Libertadores and the ‘Superclasico’ against Boca Juniors.

The report states that Mastantuono has a release clause worth £37.4m, which rises to £41.5m for the final 10 days of the transfer window.

It is also suggested that River Plate are open to discussing a deal worth around £29m, assuming this includes bonuses and clauses.

United are also being linked with a move for Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan. The Norwegian youngster is 17 and this proves that INEOS are prioritising young talent in the transfer market.

More Stories / Latest News

Manchester United express interest in £29m-rated River Plate midfielder

Nov 15 2024, 10:17

Manchester United confident of landing £10m wonderkid in January

Nov 15 2024, 9:49

Boost for Manchester United as Barcelona director makes position clear on Viktor Gyokeres

Nov 15 2024, 8:17