Manchester United have received glowing reviews on Como youngster Nico Paz after sending scouts to watch the 20-year-old, according to a report.
The Red Devils have already bolstered their attacking ranks with the £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and are pushing for the signature of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo too.
Fans could also breathe a collective sigh of relief when Bruno Fernandes confirmed he rejected a lucrative move to Al-Hilal on the back of a sensational individual campaign, in which he amassed 19 goals and 19 assists from 57 games.
However, Ruben Amorim is seemingly desperate to add more firepower and creativity to his forward line ahead of a few possible exits this summer, both in the number nine and number 10 positions.
Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could all depart if the right offers come in, and the sales of the former two would be of huge benefit financially, going down as pure profit on Man United's records.
Man United scouts 'impressed' by ex-Real Madrid starlet Paz
Como's Nico Paz on January 20, 2025
The Red Devils may need to sell before they can buy again, but their scouts remain hard at work identifying young talents who could slot seamlessly into Amorim's system.
A report from CaughtOffsidesuggests that Paz could be one of those players, as the 20-year-old has apparently caught the eye of Man United representatives during his time in Serie A.
Paz made the switch to Cesc Fabregas's Como from Real Madrid last summer and quickly adapted to life in the Italian top flight with 15 direct goal involvements from 35 games, six of his own and nine assists.
The 2004-born playmaker's contributions helped Como comfortably achieve Serie A survival, and he also made his first senior start for Argentina in their 1-0 World Cup Qualifying win over Chile on June 6.
Paz still has three years left to run on his contract with Como, who paid a mere £5.1m to bring him to the club last summer, and he has apparently not made a final decision on his future just yet.
Could Real Madrid scupper Man United's Paz move?
Como's Nico Paz pictured on November 10, 2024
A product of Real Madrid's Castilla system, Paz never made the grade in the Spanish capital, making just eight senior appearances for Los Blancos and finding the back of the net once.
However, the 15-time European champions reportedly inserted a cheap £6.7m buyback clause into his Como contract, and incoming manager Xabi Alonso is said to be a huge admirer of his talents.
As a result, it would not be a surprise at all if Real Madrid triggered their £6.7m option, but the report adds that Paz may still turn his nose up to a return unless he is guaranteed frequent game time.
That scenario remains highly unlikely while Jude Bellingham is still at the club, and Real Madrid are also said to have struck a total agreement to sign £33.2m Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono too.
Man United were supposedly keen to sign the latter as well, but stealing Paz from under Real Madrid's noses would represent a small slice of transfer revenge for the Red Devils.
ID:574551:1false2false3false: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5376: