Tottenham Hotspur have focused on signing exciting young players in recent years, with the intention of turning them into stars.
The likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie arrived at Spurs as relative unknowns and have become Premier League stars.
Tottenham have also been focusing more on their academy, with the likes of Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett and Will Lankshear having received chances.
Now, Spurs are said to be working towards signing Franco Mastantuono, a young midfielder with “world-class potential”.
Manchester United have also been linked with Mastantuono, but they now appear to have conceded the advantage to Tottenham because of Ruben Amorim.
READ MORE: Tottenham deemed the likeliest club to sign Wolves star after £30m offer made
Tottenham more interested and optimistic over Franco Mastantuono amid Manchester United hesitation
Mastantuono plies his trade for River Plate and has made a name for himself as one of South America’s top talents.
Tottenham have stepped up their efforts to beat Manchester United to the signing of the 17-year-old, according to GiveMeSport.
Spurs are said to have made contact with River Plate to find out whether they would be willing to cash in on Mastantuono and how much money it would take.
The Argentina youth international is said to have a £38million release clause, but Tottenham and other suitors seemingly want to find out if they could sign him for a lower fee.
Indeed, it has been reported that Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of signing Mastantuono have increased due to hesitation on Man United’s part.
The Red Devils reportedly remain unconvinced over the pace of Mastantuono’s development compared to alternative targets wanted by Ruben Amorim.
There is a growing belief that Mastantuono is not what Amorim needs at this moment in time, which has opened the door for Tottenham to swoop in, according to the report.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey reported in September that Arsenal and Real Madrid were also keen on Mastantuono.
What Franco Mastantuono could bring to Tottenham or Manchester United
At just 17 years of age, Mastantuono has already made 46 competitive appearances for River Plate and has an Argentinian Supercup to his name.
The teenager has mostly been playing as a No. 10, though he can also feature on the right wing and has been utilised on the left wing twice in his career.
Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig has likened Mastantuono to Colombia icon James Rodriguez and gave him a perfect 10 out of 10 for “world-class potential”.
He has been deemed a ‘creative player with excellent technique on the ball, mobility, short-dribbling, and good short-mid through passing ability’.
Mastantuono has also charted at number 19 on Goal.com’s NxGn 2025 list of the world’s 50 best teenage footballers, ahead of the likes of Tyler Dibling and Lewis Miley.
