Manchester United have received bad news in their supposed bid to lure Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono away from River Plate.
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Youngster starring in his homelandAttracting interest from across EuropeWill celebrate 18th birthday in AugustFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 17-year-old sensation is said to be attracting interest from across Europe, with La Liga giants Real Madrid another of his many suitors. The youngster saw his stock rise even further when netting a stunning 30-yard free-kick for River in their Clasico clash with arch-rivals Boca Juniors.
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He has now netted four goals in 13 appearances this season and is considered to be the hottest of prospects. Real have been monitoring his development since the summer of 2024, while United have now joined the clamour for his signature.
WHAT RIVER PLATE SAID
Mastantuono will turn 18 in August, at which point he could bid farewell to his homeland. River are, however, adamant that he will see out the calendar year with them. Board member Stefano Di Carlo told when asked if Mastantuono will remain with the club for the remainder of 2025: “Yes, yes, that’s a certainty already.”
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Mastantuono, who qualifies for an Italian passport through his grandmother – making it easier for a move to Europe to be made – has a release clause in his contract that has risen to €50 million (£42m/$57m).