Real Madrid and Man Utd battle for Franco Mastantuono

Franco Mastantuono is one of South America's most wanted young players and both Real Madrid and Manchester United are eager to sign the 16-year-old midfielder this summer. The River Plate starlet has only recently made his debut and has appeared for Argentina's under-17 side. The value of the player is in the region of 40 million euros, and Man Utd want to procure one of the world's best young players from right under the noses of rivals Real.

With nine games in the Primera Division for River as well as a further 11 appearances in all other competitions, Mastantuono is now deemed a first-team regular. It is unlikely that he will make his debut appearance in a hurry for either Real or United, but the clubs both want to sign the starlet with a view to the future. Having seen the way that fellow countryman Alejandro Garnacho has developed at Old Trafford, United could well be in the driving seat.

The gifted player is comfortable as either a midfielder or in a forward role,  but his preferred position is as a right winger. It is understood United wants Garnacho as their first choice left winger while Mastantuono becomes their right flank option.