Franco Mastantuono is widely regarded as one of the next big things to be coming out of South American football.
Just 17 years old, the versatile midfielder has already made 40 senior appearances for River Plate in Argentina and is on the radars of elite clubs across Europe.
Barcelona, for one, are also understood to be admirers of the teenage wonderkid, along with their rivals Real Madrid while other teams like AC Milan and PSG have also been credited with interest.
Liverpool the frontrunners?
However, according to reports in England, as carried by Mundo Deportivo, it is Liverpool who are currently leading the race to sign Franco Mastantuono, ahead of teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Reds, whose interest in the 17-year-old attacking midfielder came to light recently, are reportedly ready to go all-out to secure his signing.
Indeed, as per the report, the Premier League giants would be prepared to meet Mastantuono’s release clause amount, which stands at $45 million and would rise to $50 million in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Barcelona, for their part, are always alert to up-and-coming talents in the South American market and Mastantuono fits the bill very much.
However, given the club’s precarious financial situation, spending a big chunk of money on a 17-year-old with no experience in European football appears to be an unlikely manoeuvre from the club.
As such, it is Liverpool who are currently leading the race for Mastantuono, although it remains to be seen if the Argentine prodigy ends up moving to England.