PSG overtake United in the race for “the next Messi”, Luis Enrique’s phone call might have done the trick – report

Manchester United have been linked with plenty of South American starlets since INEOS arrived, with Franco Mastantuono of River Plate being one of them.

There were reports that the Argentine wonderkid was holding out for Real Madrid but Los Blancos were not interested, and that allowed the Red Devils the chance to hijack the deal.

There were talks ongoing between United and the Argentine side, with the 20-time English league champions prepared to blow their rivals out of the water with their opening offer.

But Bolavip has suggested United could be left disappointed in their hunt for “the next Messi” with Paris Saint-Germain currently in pole position.

PSG in pole position for Franco Mastantuono

In fact, Luis Enrique himself has been in touch with the Argentine wonderkid to try and get the deal over the line before others can jump in.

The Ligue 1 champions are prepared to secure his signing this summer before loaning him out until December, something that would suit River.

“Franco Mastantuono is on the radar of several foreign clubs, but he’s increasingly close to PSG. The French giants are determined to pursue River’s star player and close the deal in this transfer window, in a deal that could take place in the European summer with both teams in the Club World Cup.

“According to Bolavip, the Parisian club has made progress in talks to sign the 17-year-old. In principle, the Old Continent’s plan is to finalize the transfer now and leave him on loan until December. It remains to be seen whether they will pay his release clause (€45 million) or something close to it.

“Aware that there are several interested parties in the player, PSG launched a seduction operation to convince him to come to Paris.

Luis Enrique convincing Franco Mastantuono to join

“In fact, there have already been communications between the player and Luis Enrique himself to convince him to continue his football career in the French capital.”

The 17-year-old has seven goals and four assists in 19 appearances this season and should United have won the race, they would likely not have loaned him back.

The Argentina U20 international would have fitted perfectly with Ruben Amorim’s demands as well as with INEOS’ youth-first approach. It remains to be seen if United try and outjump PSG regarding the deal.

The South American market has once again become important for the club, which has been a welcome change after years of neglect under the Glazers.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social