Man United have entered discussions to sign Paraguayan starlet Diego Leon
The 17-year-old left-back has been playing senior football for Cerro Porteno
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By SIMON JONES
Published: 19:16 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 19:24 EST, 11 December 2024
Manchester United have held talks over a deal to sign highly rated young left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno.
The 17-year old has broken into Cerro Porteno's first team in Paraguay's Primera Division, making 21 appearances and scoring two goals.
That caught the eye of scouts from Arsenal and Manchester City earlier this year and United are now stepping into the chase.
The fee being discussed is around £3.9million rising to £6m for the 17-year old who will be allowed to join in the summer after he turns 18 in April.
Leon is quick, tall, athletic and technically good on the ball. He is viewed as a talent for the future and talks are underway.
The full back has made it clear that he is keen to play for Cerro Porteno in the Copa Libertadores, which begins next February.
Man United have entered talks to sign Diego Leon, 17, from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno
The move comes as United look to strengthen their options at left-back with Luke Shaw injured
The youngster could become the first signing of new United boss Ruben Amorim who took over the reins at the club last month
‘I have huge expectations about playing in the 2025 Libertadores,' he told Paraguayan outlet Deportes Uno. 'I’ve read about Manchester United’s link with me, I don’t know anything. Everything is handled by my agent.
‘I spent four years preparing for this opportunity, you have to take advantage of it when it comes. Now I’m thinking about everything that happened this season. The night before the debut I couldn’t sleep because of the excitement.’
The youngster could become the first signing of new United Ruben Amorim, who took over the reins at the club last month, following his departure from Sporting.
Left-back is proving a problem area for United owing to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia's fitness concerns although they do have the emerging Harry Amass who was bought from Watford's academy.
United continue to be in the market for first team cover at left-back too but financial constraints will limit what options can be brought in for January with a striker also desired.