MANCHESTER UNITED have been working on a new long-term contract for academy starlet Alejandro Garnacho, according to reports.
The 18-year-old Argentine made his first start for the Red Devils on Thursday in the 3-0 win against Sheriff in the Europa League.
He played 79 minutes and earned rave reviews for his directness.
In fact, Garnacho impressed so much that fans are calling for him to be handed a start against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, or at the very least some good minutes on the pitch.
Garnacho has been in and around the first-team since last season and his contract expires in 2025.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd are keen to address the winger’s contract situation and hand him a new five-year contract, securing his long-term future.
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Negotiations have been ongoing for a month and a proposal for Garnacho has been ready since June.
Garnacho signing a new deal would warn off any interest from Spanish and European champions Real Madrid.
Los Blancos showed an interest in the player in the summer and are said to be watching his progress “very closely”.
Other clubs are also said to be keeping tabs on the Man Utd youth star.
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United legend Paul Scholes is keen to see more of Garnacho.
Scholes told BT Sport: “This crowd loves entertainment and he provided that tonight.
“He almost reminded me of a young Cristiano with his skill and taking the ball down with confidence.
“I was impressed with the way he could attack on both feet and the unpredictability. He is an 18-year-old kid and he has a big future at Manchester United.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk