The January transfer window is steaming into view for Liverpool as they are given another chance to bolster their playing squad.
Arne Slot barely did anything at all during his first transfer market with the Reds and supporters will be hoping that the second is a busier affair.
With Liverpool going so well in the Premier League and Champions League, there is an argument that Slot does not need to meddle too much with what has been a winning formula.
However, some will counter that by saying now is the time to really bolster the Liverpool squad and capitalise on a big opportunity for the club.
Either way, the Reds will be looking to the future and whether anyone is signed in the New Year or not, groundwork will be done for potential summer deals.
One player who is reportedly on their radar in that respect is River Plate talent Franco Mastantuono. And as rumours around Mastantuono gather pace, Argentine outlet TyC Sports have cleared up the situation.
Franco Mastantuono of River Plate dribbles the ball against Tobias Rubio of Defensa y Justicia during a Liga Profesional 2024 match between Defensa...
Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images
River Plate hoping for Franco Mastantuono stay
Liverpool were linked with Mastantuono last week. Reports claimed that the Reds were planning to touch base with River in January.
The 17-year-old has emerged as a real talent at the Buenos Aires club and the Reds reportedly wanted to get in there quickly.
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But according to TyC, the ‘truth’ is that River Plate are not expecting Mastantuono to leave.
It’s claimed that while the Argentine giants know they will have to negotiate with a European giant sooner or later for their new jewel, they do not think it will be in January.
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River’s season is set to end in the coming days, but the club are reportedly ‘counting on’ Mastantuono to be there for the new campaign.
It is also noted that the youngster cannot move to Europe until he turns 18 regardless, which will be next August. Furthermore, Mastantuono is said to have expressed a desire to develop more at his hometown club before moving on.
Liverpool should make Mastantuono plan
If Liverpool really do want Mastantuono, then not being able to get him in January should not pose a problem to this.
As TyC cover, the forward would not be able to move until August at the earliest anyway.
Name Franco Mastantuono
Date of Birth 14th August 2007 (17)
Club History River Plate (Youth)
Nationality Argentinian
Position Attacking midfield
Preferred Foot Left
Career Appearances/Goals 40/3
National Team Argentina U17s: 6 caps 0 goals
Franco Mastantuono factfile
Signing him would also be unlikely to make or break the rest of the season for Slot and Liverpool as he would not be expected to come in and make much of an impact in the first-team squad immediately.
As a result, we’d suggest that the smart move here from Liverpool could be to try and sort out a deal with River Plate ahead of time for next summer.
Mastantuono reportedly has a release clause which could rise to around £40m, but if the Reds can get in early and arrange a plan for him to stay at the Monumental, then maybe they can even shave some money off that fee.