Manchester United are ready to exercise the buyout clause in Franco Mastantuono’s release at River Plate but would like to pay it in instalments.
That’s according to TyC Sports, who cover the latest on the 17-year-old rising star as Europe seemingly lines up to try and sign him.
They explain that among the growing list of suitors there are two who have taken a ‘step’ in the negotiations and spoken to River directly. These are Marseille and Manchester United.
They were both present recently in Argentina and took the opportunity to speak with River Plate sporting director Enzo Francescoli.
Manchester United have made it clear that they are willing to pay the youngster’s €45m release clause. However, they would like to do so in instalments. Despite their current struggles, they are still seen as a ‘very important leap’ for Mastantuono.
The problem is that he’s not giving them any encouragement and has made it clear that he is waiting for Real Madrid first. This is a message he has sent to all the European clubs interest in him.
A move to the Santiago Bernabeu is not all that easy, though, with relations between Madrid and the player’s agents not the best. Indeed, it was reported in December that both parties had thoroughly fallen out and Madrid abandoned signing the youngster because of that.
Perhaps that is what is encouraging Manchester United, who are firmly in the mix and currently being linked on a daily basis.
