As per a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have opened negotiations with Velez Sarsfield over the signature of Thiago Almada.
Velez prodigy
Almada, 19, is widely considered to be one of the most promising talents in his home country of Argentina.
In fact, the technically gifted teen, who is capable of playing either on the wing or in a more central role, has even been dubbed ‘the next Messi’ by members of the Argentine media.
Almada is a product of Velez Sarsfield’s youth academy, and, despite his tender years, broke into the club’s first-team ranks for the first time in 2018.
To this point, the Albiceleste youth international has racked up 46 appearances at senior level for the Primera Division heavyweights.
It is the current season, though, which has seen Almada’s performances truly begin to turn heads, with the diminutive creator having directly contributed to 8 goals across all competitions.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 12: Thiago Almada of Velez Sarsfield in action during a first leg quarter final match between Velez and Boca Juniors as part of Copa de la Superliga 2019 at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Gustavo Garello/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Old Trafford bound?
Almada’s impressive form, meanwhile, has inevitably begun to pique the interest of clubs across Europe.
Recent months have seen a host of giants from across the continent named as keen admirers of the Argentine, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Barcelona reportedly in the hunt for his signature.
As outlined above, though, one suitor appear to have not only taken the lead in the race for Almada, but are now said to be in active negotiations over a transfer.
The outfit in question? Manchester United.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils have opened discussions with Velez Sarsfield in an attempt to beat out the competition for Almada.
This comes with the South American talent’s £20 million release clause reportedly set to expire come the end of the summer.
Manchester United are negotiating a deal for Velez Sarsfield youngster Thiago Almada, according to Fichajes. #MUFC
— Naveen Ullal (@UllalIBT) June 5, 2020
Significantly, Fichajes’ claim comes just days after the Manchester Evening News named Almada as a fallback option in Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho.
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