Argentina U20 coach Javier Mascherano has admitted they are talking to Manchester United and Brighton regarding players ahead of the Olympics in Paris.
The Argentine has been speaking to Télam, relayed by PH, in his homeland regarding the situation as he gears to lead his country at the competition early next year.
He faces a difficult few months of deciding who will be a part of his squad for the games, which is largely made up of youngsters and then three ‘over age’ players.
He’s hoping to have a full compliment available to him, as well as potential additions such as Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, but faces the issue of the timing of the tournament.
The Paris games are set to run from July 26th to August 11th, meaning it falls right when European competitions are still underway or gearing up for the start of their campaigns.
That’s something Mascherano is more than aware, and he says contact is already underway with clubs, likely including Brighton and Manchester United, regarding their respective stances.
“The reality is different depending on each particular case,” he said.
“We know that the boys who have more continuity in their teams are going to be much more difficult because the pre-Olympic date is in full competition in Europe.
“It is not easy for the clubs to give an answer today, two or three months from now. There is still a long way to go, but we have started contacts and when the time comes, we will make the corresponding decisions. We hope to have those kids who have less continuity in their clubs.
“Beyond the players from Europe that we can contemplate, it will be very important to see the predisposition of the clubs and see how long in advance they are going to give up the players.
“We will need training time to be able to put together a competitive team, that is what we aim for.”
