TBR Football understands Franco Mastantuono’s representatives have been in Europe this month holding talks about his future, including with Manchester United.
The River Plate star, who turns 18 in August, is not expected to leave Argentina until 2025, but a deal is likely to be agreed in advance.
Mastantuono, who’s been compared to Phil Foden, has long been one of the most coveted young players in South America and Manchester United are now working to sign him.
However, the Red Devils will find getting a deal over the line rather tricky as they face strong competition from several major clubs around Europe.
Manchester United working to sign Franco Mastantuono
Manchester United are long-term admirers of Franco Mastantuono and are one of those sides in talks, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
TBR Football has also been told that the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, would like the club to try and secure him.
Meanwhile, three other Premier League clubs are also keen on the teenager, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City having also had conversations.
Reports elsewhere indicate that Tottenham are also interested in Mastantuono with the North London club looking to add to their young core of players.
Mastantuono has a release clause of £41 million, meaning interested clubs know exactly what they must do should they hope to land the youngster.
Inter Milan withdrew from talks to sign the player with the club’s vice president and fellow countryman, Javier Zanetti, telling La Derecha Diario: “For Inter, he’s expensive for his age. The time will come to sit down and plan the next season.”
Real Madrid remain favourites to sign Franco Mastantuono
However, TBR Football sources with knowledge of the situation have indicated that Real Madrid remain favourites to land him.
Madrid are indeed keen to strike a deal, their current director, Santiago Solari, has been holding talks with Mastantuono, given his close relationship with his former club River Plate.
