Manchester United will do battle with rivals Manchester City for the signing of River Plate prospect Enzo Fernandez this summer, according to reports in his native Argentina.
The Red Devils are one of a triumvirate of clubs interested in making a move for the 21-year-old midfielder once the transfer window opens, with incoming boss Erik ten Hag set to mastermind a considerable overhaul at Old Trafford.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are all expected to depart the club this summer. This will leave room for plenty of additions to the squad as United aim to bounce back from what has been a hugely underwhelming campaign which has seen them miss out on Champions League qualification.
As per South American outlet Clarin, the Red Devils are interested in making a move for Fernandez and could potentially be set to pay the €20million (£17m) release clause written into his River Plate contract. There is just the small problem of competition from around Europe for the young midfielder.
Local rivals City are thought to be interested in a move and they too could pay the required fee to secure his signature, having already successfully negotiated with River Plate this term for the signing of striker Julian Alvarez. City announced that they had agreed a deal for the 22-year-old back in the January transfer window, although he rejoined his former club on loan until the summer.
Whilst City and United are competing for Fernandez, Spanish giants Real Madrid are also reportedly in the running for the midfielder, which could further complicate United’s chances of bringing him to Old Trafford. Of course, it remains to be seen where his future lies, but whomever acquires Fernandez would certainly be adding a player of real quality.
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He has enjoyed an excellent 2022, scoring eight goals and registering five assists from the centre of midfield, making it by far and away the most productive campaign of his fledgling career thus far. That form has his side sitting top of their Copa Libertadores group and they only finished one point behind Racing Club in the first phase of the 2022 Argentine Primera.
Fernandez has just under three-and-a-half years left to run on his contract at the Estadio Mas Monumental ahead of a potential move this summer. Whilst United are keeping a close eye on the Argentine, they will also hope to convince Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to make the switch to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Dutchman this summer, with Ten Hag thought to be keen to welcome one of his former Ajax stars to the club. However, he has reportedly decided that he does not want to leave Camp Nou this summer despite United’s interest.
