Newcastle and Man City battle for Argentine youngster's signature

Maximo Perrone, who currently plays in Argentina for his boyhood club Velez Sarsfield, is wanted by Premier League duo Newcastle United and Manchester City. Both clubs have sent their scouts to track the 19-year-old's performances, and a January transfer offer could be forthcoming, with both teams prepared to match the player's reported £14.4 million minimum fee release clause.

Perrone is currently at the 2023 South American under-20 Championship in Colombia, and both Premier League teams want to sign Perrone before the tournament begins. As so often is the case, a player who impresses in youth tournaments sees their own value increase significantly. It is for this reason that the Premier League titans are to move quickly to snap up the player.

It is rumoured that Newcastle United are in pole position to sign the midfielder, with former Toon Army midfielder Christian Bassedas ironically Velez Sarsfield's current sporting director. Bassedas has reportedly been in England already discussing Perrone's potential transfer.

In agreeing a transfer for the player, either Newcastle or City will sign one of South America's top youth talents.