Manchester United approached 41 million Argentine Foden, but may lose to Real Madrid! Messi is aiming for a Premier League record

United have met with the agent of talented Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who turns 18 in August and is eligible to move to Europe, where his representatives have been meeting with major clubs, including the Red Devils.

Mastantono may not leave Argentina in 2025, but many European clubs are hoping to reach an agreement with him in advance. He is known as the 'Argentine Phil Foden' and has a style similar to Manchester City's England winger. Manchester United have always wanted to get him, but there is huge competition.

Graeme Bailey, transfer expert for The Bleachers, confirmed that United had been looking at Mastantono's performances for a long time and had been in talks with his agent, with the club's technical director Jason Wilcox being the driving force behind the deal.

In the Premier League, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham have also been in talks with Mastantono's agent for a £41 million liquidated damages, which is the price cap for bringing him in. Inter Milan in Serie A have withdrawn because of the high price, and Argentine legend Zanetti, vice president of the Nerazzurri club, explained: "For Inter, the price is too high for his age."

Among the European giants vying for Mastantono, Real Madrid are considered the favourites. Not only does Mastantono himself like Real Madrid, but the current sporting director Solari is also Argentinian and he has a close relationship with River Plate.

According to Marca, Real Madrid held a virtual meeting with Mastantono's agent. Although no offer has been made for him yet, his rumoured performances at River Plate have indeed caught the attention of Real Madrid.

Manchester United have been pinning their hopes on young players lately, with insiders high hopes for existing Academy youngster JJ Gabriel to become the youngest ever debut player next season. The England Under-15 striker turned 15 on 6 October, but he made his Under-18 debut and scored three goals and was dubbed 'Kid Messi'.

The club are in serious discussions about how to handle Gabriel's career and are genuinely optimistic that he can break the record. United's youngest ever debut player is goalkeeper David Gaskell who debuted in 1956 at the age of 16 years and 19 days. Gabriel could set a new record if he plays for Manchester United's first team next season.

If Gabriel makes a Premier League appearance next season, he could also break the record for the youngest player to make an appearance in the league, which currently belongs to Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, who was just 15 years and 181 days old when he played for Brentford in September 2022.

Ruben Amorim is willing to give Manchester United's academy debuts a chance, and this season he has used 17-year-old Cheedo Obi, 18-year-old Eden Haven and Harry Armas. Therefore, it is not ruled out that Amorim will use Gabriel next season.

Of course, the latter will also need to first establish himself in the under-18 team, then move into the development team, take part in first-team training, and gradually strive for his professional breakthrough, like his idol, Barcelona's Spanish winger Yamal.

Not only Manchester United is optimistic about Gabriel, but Nike also has high hopes for him and has signed a personal sponsorship agreement with him early! But ironically, Gabriel was spotted by Manchester United scout Dave Harrison, who had just been laid off by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.