MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly made contact with River Plate over signing their super-striker Julian Alvarez.
And the Red Devils could snap him up for just £17million – £4m less than his release clause – if they act fast.
United put in a call to the South American side in the last few weeks, according to Argentine newspaper Ole.
Alvarez, 21, has been in scintillating form – scoring 24 and providing 15 assists in 46 games.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are said to be keen on the five-cap Argentina international.
Bayern Munich, Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid have all been linked.
And United may even face competition from within the Premier League.
Aston Villa were said to be leading the race for Alvarez in October.
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River hope to keep the goal machine for one more season.
But, with such widespread attention from Europe, it seems unlikely.
Argentina’s participation in the 2022 World Cup – and his desire to be picked – next winter is also likely to sway the youngster.
Alvarez has a £17m release clause in his contract which rises to £21m in the last 10 days of the January transfer window.
Neither sum will be an issue for the Red Devils but temporary boss Ralf Rangnick will have to trim his huge squad before he’s allowed to add Alvarez.
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An Anthony Martial exit is said to be on the cards with a Newcastle loan in the offing.
And Edinson Cavani is also wanted by Barcelona.
Alvarez’s contract expires in December 2022.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk