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Manchester United are in “active talks” to sign 17-year-old fullback Diego Leon in a deal worth around £3.15 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian transfer guru reveals the Red Devils are hoping to secure a move for the talented Paraguayan youngster in a move “similar to [the] Sekou Koné deal last summer”.
Tweet: “Manchester United are in active talks with Cerro Porteno for 17 year old left back Diego León as talent for the future.
Similar to Sekou Koné deal last summer, Man Utd keep looking at talents from abroad and $4m deal is being discussed also with León’s agents.”
This update corroborates a report relayed by The Peoples Person that Jason Wilcox, United’s technical director, was leading negotiations with Cerro Porteno – Leon’s club – to secure a deal for the 17-year-old fullback.
Considered one of the standout talents in his age bracket, Leon possesses a potent pairing of pace and physicality – a combination which makes him tailor made for the rigours of English football.
Much of the recruitment at Old Trafford in recent years has seen the physical demands of the Premier League overlooked with a host of players signed who fall short (or slow) of the requisite standards.
This makes the pursuit of Leon an exciting one given the youngster is blessed in both regards, though United may face some competition from rivals Arsenal who have also been linked with a move.
Similarly, the Paraguayan defender also plays in the key area of the pitch where new head coach Ruben Amorim will be imploring club officials to sign reinforcements – left-back/left wing-back.
Amorim has wasted little time in implementing his trademark 3-4-3 system since arriving at Old Trafford last month. And while right wingback has seen Amad Diallo emerge as a surprise star in the role, the opposing side is still crying out for someone to claim it.
Luke Shaw’s ongoing injury issues rule the England international out of the physically draining role, while Tyrell Malacia is neither fast enough nor good enough on the ball to fulfil the demands Amorim places on his wingbacks.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are capable of playing on the left but it is an uncomfortable fit which limits the natural width of the team.
Therefore, a new signing capable of playing at LWB, with pace and physicality in equal measure, will be a welcome addition for the Portuguese coach.
And, as demonstrated this season with Sporting Lisbon, Amorim has absolutely no qualms about playing a 17-year-old at wingback if he considers them an elite talent; just ask Geovany Quenda – another youngster United are hotly linked to.
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