Manchester United are today again linked to River Plate youngster Franco Mastantuono.
The story this time comes from the Portuguese media, with newspaper O Jogo covering Benfica’s interest in the player.
The outlet makes it clear that the Eagles are not alone in the chase for the 16-year-old, and there’s where Manchester United get a mention.
It’s said the Red Devils are one of the clubs who’ve been scouting the player, and he’s actually ‘well-placed’ in their list of potential reinforcements.
The competition, however, is getting quite big. O Jogo’s list not only includes Benfica, but also Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.
A month ago, the Argentine media had already revealed Manchester United’s interest in Mastantuono, highlighting that River Plate are very concerned about keeping him.
The teenager is currently protected by a €30m release clause. Since he can’t leave South America until he turns 18, time is on his club’s side, and they’d like to give him a contract with a €40m release clause.
Mastantuono is just getting started in his professional career, and only has ten appearances for River Plate’s first team, so there is a long way to go here and a long time for clubs to work out whether he would be worth that money.
