According to The Pitch Prospect, Manchester United are in talks with teenage Paraguayan defender Diego León.
The 17-year-old left-back is believed to be worth around £4million and talks are being led by United technical director Jason Wilcox.
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Leon would be the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford.
However, the Portuguese coach could only work with Leon in the summer as the Paraguayan is under 18 years old.
Football Association (FA) and Premier League rules prohibit clubs from signing overseas-based players under the age of 18.
However, this does not stop clubs from signing contracts for these players, which would be the case with the Cerro Porteno defender.
Leon played 19 games for Cerro Porteno in the 2024 season of the Primera Division Clausura, the top division in Spain Costa Rica.
The teenager also scored two goals in his first three games this season.
Cerro Porteno finished sixth out of twelve teams.
Wilcox has a key role to play in transfer talks after United parted ways with sporting director Dan Ashworth, who took up the role in July.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to have played a key role in the decision to part ways with Ashworth.
The Red Devils’ pursuit of a left-back is also notable given Luke Shaw’s repeated injury problems.
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Shaw, United’s left-back when fit, recently suffered a “minor setback” in his return to fitness.
The 29-year-old missed the start of the season due to a calf strain he sustained in pre-season.
Since then, Shaw has only played three games for the Red Devils this season as a substitute, against Ipswich townBodo/Glimt and Everton.
These three games were also Amorim’s first three games as coach.
However, Shaw confirmed he was back on the treatment table after being left out of the United squad that traveled to Arsenal on December 4.
“Hello guys, it’s very painful to have to write this as I really thought I had overcome my recent difficulties and was on a positive path for the future, but unfortunately I have suffered a small setback,” Shaw wrote on his Instagram -Story.
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“I’ve been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs, but this was definitely my toughest time.”
“I am absolutely devastated and it is extremely difficult to come to terms with the reality at this moment.”
“I understand that Gunna exists [sic] Be frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that.
“Nobody feels that more than me at this moment.
“But what I can promise is that I will do everything I can to come back better soon and help this club achieve its goals this season.”
“Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really appreciate it.”
United added in its statement: “We are all on your side.”
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