Manchester United are reportedly preparing a big-money offer for former Real Madrid midfielder Nico Paz as they look to add creativity to Ruben Amorim's squad.
Spanish outlet Fichajes.net reports that the Red Devils are willing to break the bank and discuss a potential £60-70m (€70-80m) fee with Como 1907 for the young Argentine. He has caught the eye playing under Cesc Fabregas in Serie A and put several European clubs on alert.
Paz, 20, was a standout performer at the Stadio Comunale G. Sinigaglia, showcasing terrific vision and developing into a slick attacking midfielder. He only joined Como last summer, arriving from Madrid for more first-team opportunities, but the La Liga heavyweights are monitoring his progress.
Man Utd Willing To Fork Out Hefty Fee For Nico Paz
Nico Paz
Manchester United have shown a willingness to splash the cash this summer to ensure a vast improvement is made after experiencing the worst Premier League season in the club's history. But a move for the three-cap Argentina international could be with Bruno Fernandes' long-term future in mind.
Fernandes, 30, was offered the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League twice this summer for a fee in the region of £100m but turned this down. The Red Devils' captain is staying put but Amorim will likely want a long-term replacement ready for when the time comes to part ways.
Paz has earned plaudits for his quick adaption to life in Italy and the consistency displayed under Fabregas last season. He appeared 35 times in Serie A and registered six goals and nine assists.
United may be keen to swoop quickly because his former club Madrid possess a buy-back clause in his contract for two seasons along with 50% of the player's rights. Los Blancos still consider Paz a "strategic asset for the future", which suggests they have plans to eventually re-sign him.
Lionel Messi waxed lyrical about Paz back in October stating that he had an "incredible mindset". With praise like that from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner it's understandable why United are among a host of clubs queuing for his signature.
Como want to maintain "full control" over his future and expect his value to rise as he continues to catch the eye at such a young age. This could prove to be a stumbling block for Amorim in his potential long-term vision for the Argentine to replace Fernandes.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox