Manchester United ‘ready to move forward’ for signing in January – Red Devils following player for ‘several years’

Back in February, claims from Argentina stated Manchester United were looking at River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono.

Fast forward to October and ESPN Argentina journalist Jorge Baravalle talks about the Red Devils’ interest in the 17-year-old, relayed by 0223.com.ar.

Manchester United have been keeping close tabs on the attacking midfielder’s displays for River Plate.

The youngster graduated from the South American club’s academy and was promoted to their first team earlier this year. Since then, Mastantuono has made 34 appearances in all competitions, managing four goals and two assists in the process.

His performances, profile and potential has seen a few European clubs take notice. Top Mercato have also relayed Baravalle’s latest report about Manchester United and shared more comments from the journalist.

He claims the Premier League side have been following the Argentina U20 international “very closely for several years”. This indicates they have had their eyes on him when he was at River Plate’s academy.

He adds Manchester United are “delighted with the performances” of Mastantuono. They are ‘ready to move forward’ to secure his services in January.

The River Plate gem has a €45m release clause. He doesn’t turn 18 until August 2025, so couldn’t physically move until then.