Diego Leon has been linked with a move to Man Utd
Diego Leon has been linked with a move to Man Utd
Manchester United are closing in on Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon as a solution to their left-sided issues, it has been claimed.
The 17-year-old has caught the eye while playing for Cerro Porteno in his homeland. He scored on his debut in August and has added one further goal, and was an unused sub for both legs of a Copa Sudamericana clash with Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense.
Cerro Porteno will need to go through qualifying for next season's Copa Libertadores, having finished third in the Primera Division in 2024. They have never won a continental competition, but have reached the semi finals of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana on multiple occasions.
Yguazu-born talent Leon wouldn't be the first Cerro Porteno star to play in the Premier League. Newcastle star Miguel Almiron began his career with the club, while several others - including former Fulham and Middlesbrough defender Fernando Amorebieta - spent time with the Asuncion-based side after spells in England.
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The links with United, which Cesar Luis Merlo reports are "very advanced," come during a tricky time for head coach Ruben Amorim. After starting his tenure with three unbeaten games, the Portuguese suffered back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Amorim and predecessor Erik ten Hag have both dealt with injury issues down the left. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were unavailable for long periods under Ten Hag, and Shaw suffered a fresh setback after just three appearances under the new boss.
Leon, who is expected to cost around £3.1million isn't the only left-back on United's radar amid suggestions Amorim may go after someone capable of operating in his preferred 3-4-3 set-up. Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez have both been linked, with Shaw's latest agonising injury setback potentially forcing the club into action in January.
Are you excited by the prospect of Diego Leon joining Manchester United? Have your say in the comments section
United left-back Luke Shaw has suffered a fresh injury blow
“It’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forwards, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback," England international Shaw wrote in an Instagram story.
“I’ve been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.
“I understand there is gunna be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time.
“But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”
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