Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Cerro Porteno left-back Diego Leon, according to reports.
The 17-year-old make his first-team breakthrough with Cerro Porteno in August and scored the winning goal on his debut.
The Paraguayan has quickly established established himself as the team’s first-choice option on the left side of defence and has made 19 league appearances so far this season.
According to Cesar Luis Merlo, United have already made a move to sign Leon and the Premier League side are in negotiations with Cerro Porteno.
It’s understood that an initial fee of $4 million (£3.1m) has been agreed while United remain in talks over add-ons and the player’s economic rights.
Leon does not turn 18 until next April and the defender has made it clear that he is keen to play for Cerro Porteno in the Copa Libertadores, which begins next February.
Speaking to Deportes Uno this week, Leon said: ‘I have huge expectations about playing in the 2025 Libertadores.
‘I’ve read about Manchester United’s link with me, I don’t know anything. Everything is handled by my agent.
‘I spent four years preparing for this opportunity, you have to take advantage of it when it comes. Now I’m thinking about everything that happened this season. The night before the debut I couldn’t sleep because of the excitement.’
Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Pettengill, the vice-president of Cerro Porteno, insists Leon will not join United until next summer at the earliest.
‘Diego Leon will play this season at Cerro, he can’t leave before he turns 18 years old,’ he said.
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