Manchester Untied are considering a move for River Plate talent Enzo Fernandez, say reports, but they face competition from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Benfica.
The 21-year-old is a highly rated prospect in Argentinian football and earned his first call-up to the senior Argentina squad in November, although he’s yet to be capped. According to Clarin, City are the likeliest of Fernandez’s suitors to make a move, although United, Real Madrid and Benfica are also in the frame.
Pep Guardiola’s side are considering triggering the central midfielder’s €20 million (£17m) release clause to secure his signature this summer.
As it stands, that could be the only way for City to secure a deal, as River don’t want to negotiate a sale.
The move would be a return to familiar territory for the Citizens, who signed River forward Julian Alvarez in January on a five-and-a-half-year deal.
The 22-year-old has remained on loan with the Buenos Aires club until July 2022, where he plays alongside Fernandez.
Fernandez, who turned 21 in January, has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 18 appearances for River this season.
Valued at £5.85m by Transfermarkt, the youngster spent a year on loan at Defensa y Justicia between 2020 and 2021, before returning to nail down a regular spot in the River line-up.
More Manchester United stories
Manchester United have been linked with a vast array of talents ever since Erik ten Hag was confirmed as manager – while Paul Pogba has been linked with rivals Manchester City.
Rumours persist that Benfica forward Darwin Nunez may well be bought, too, while Frenkie de Jong is an apparent target for Ten Hag following their time together at Ajax. Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen is another player being talked about in relation to a move.
It's not all incomings at Old Trafford, either: one report lists the rumoured departure list out of Manchester. Paul Scholes, meanwhile, has been sharing how much of a disaster the current dressing room is from his chats with Jesse Lingard.
