'Is clear' - Fabrizio Romano issues update on €45m wonderkid as Manchester United 'intend' to pay release fee

Fabrizio Romano has warned it will take a while for any club to sign Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. The 17-year-old has already played 55 times for the Argentine giants, with seven goals and five assists for their first-team across all competitions.

The attacking midfielder went viral earlier this week when he netted a stunning free-kick for River in their 2-1 derby win over fierce rivals Boca Juniors. It was an incredible effort that showcased the immense talent he has at a time when there is heavy transfer interest in his signature.

There have been various conflicting reports over Mastantuono, with CaughtOffside claiming Chelsea are 'determined' to sign him this summer, while The Mirror suggest the teenager would prefer to join Real Madrid and is ready to snub any Premier League offer that comes his way. That hasn’t stopped United being linked with a move for him either.

Manchester United ‘intend’ to pay release clause

Another report from Argentine outlet TyC Sports claimed Manchester United have already stated an intention to pay the €45 million buyout clause for Franco Mastantuono. The report claims Ruben Amorim's side are seriously interested in a possible deal, though they would only be willing to pay in instalments due to their tight financial position.

That in itself could be enough to end any hope of a deal. Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on the teenage talent and claims River Plate will not negotiate any package lower than the release clause in Mastantuono's current deal. Writing in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter, the transfer guru said: "No update yet as many clubs are obviously keen, but the clause is clear. River Plate won’t negotiate, so it takes time."

Even if United agreed a package to sign Mastantuono, they would not be able to complete a deal until he turns 18 in August. This is similar to the deal United have agreed for defender Diego Leon, who will join from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño in the summer transfer window.

United have made it their mission to target talented teenage players who are available for relatively low fees, in the hope they can develop them into future bargain buys. They signed Sekou Kone from Guidars FC last summer and won the race to sign Chido Obi after his Arsenal deal expired. As well as the agreement for Leon, they are also set to sign Enzo Kana-Biyik from Le Havre this summer.

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