Earlier this month, Sport stated Manchester City want to ‘blow up’ Real Madrid’s efforts to agree a deal with River Plate for Franco Mastantuono. It was also reported the English champions intend to carry out an express operation.
Manchester City’s interest may have prompted the Champions League winners to take action.
Tuesday’s edition of Sport claims Real Madrid director José Ángel Sánchez has presented a formal bid of €20m including bonuses to River Plate.
The La Liga side don’t want any surprises, likely from Manchester City, and aim to seal the deal as soon as possible. They are the only team to have agreed personal terms with the youngste.
It’s claimed River Plate haven’t responded to Real Madrid’s offer, considering they have been referring to the teenager’s €45m clause. Despite this, the newspaper indicates the Madrid club have everything in place to try to close the deal.
Manchester City are still in the mix as they ‘don’t give up’ in the race to sign the young midfielder. In fact, Sport say Pep Guardiola’s side ‘intend to go all the way’ to agree a deal.
This suggests the Citizens could offer more than €20m to try and get ahead of Real Madrid in the transfer race.
Manchester City have a good relationship with River Plate after signing Julián Álvarez and Claudio Echeverri. It’s not clear if this will help them to sign Mastantuono.
