Man Utd ‘overtake’ Liverpool in the race for World Cup winner loved by Lionel Messi

Manchester United are reportedly leading Liverpool in the race for Argentina star Enzo Fernandez.

The all-action midfielder played an integral role as his side claimed their third World Cup Finals win in Qatar and is said to have attracted interest from several major clubs around Europe. The 21-year-old appeared in all seven of Argentina’s fixtures at the tournament and earned praise for his performances from captain Lionel Messi.

Speaking during his side’s successful run to the final, the legendary forward told Argentine outlet Ole: “Enzo doesn’t surprise me because I know him, I see him train every day, and I played against him in the Champions League, and he deserves it. He is an outstanding youngster who plays a crucial role for us.”

Fernandez has also impressed at club level over the first half of the season after joining Portuguese giants Benfica in a reported £9m move last summer. The former River Plate star has scored three goals and provided five assists in 24 appearances in all competitions as his side remained unbeaten in the league, cup and Champions League ahead of the World Cup break. However, Benfica face a battle to retain the services of their prize asset following his fine performances during the tournament - and The Mirror have now reported United have ‘overtaken’ Liverpool in the battle to sign the midfielder.

There were reports suggesting the Anfield club had reached a pre-contract agreement to sign Fernandez but Portuguese outlet UOL Esporte have stated United are in ‘ongoing conversations’ over a deal and are willing to offer more than the suggested £106.2m release clause placed in the five-year deal the midfielder signed last summer.

Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag is said to be keen to improve his options in midfield and the report suggests United believe Fernandez ‘has a profile similar to the one the club are prioritising’.