MANCHESTER UNITED look set to beat Arsenal to the signing of rising Argentine star Thiago Almada, according to reports.
The Red Devils are in ‘advanced talks’ to land the winger from Velez Sarsfield and a deal could go through in January.
Manchester United are closing in on a move for Thiago AlmadaCredit: AFP or licensors
According to Todo Fichajes, the 19-year-old has a £23million release clause in his contract which United have exploited.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a new crop of talented youngsters as he looks towards the future.
The Norwegian landed talented teenagers Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo in the summer.
Almada was linked with a move to Arsenal during the previous transfer window but boss Mikel Arteta was forced to tighten the purse-strings in his pursuit of Thomas Partey.
He was also thought to be close to signing for Manchester City which fell through but a switch to England appears closer than ever.
Almada is one of the best attacking prospects in South America having scored ten times in 31 appearances this season.
He is reported to see Carlos Tevez as one of his footballing idols according to claims from his camp and is inspired by the striker’s time at Old Trafford where he won the Champions League.
Almada has also spoken of his admiration for Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa and made it no secret that he would team up with his Argentine compatriot.
He told TyC Sports: “I would like Bielsa to coach me.
“My friends sent me something about Bielsa, but I am calm. Whether it happens or not, we have to see.
“I don’t watch much soccer, but I saw some Leeds highlights and I saw something similar to what we did in Velez with (Gabriel) Heinze.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
