Manchester United are closing in on Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon as a solution to their left-wing problems, it is claimed.
The 17-year-old caught the eye while playing for Cerro Porteno in his home country. He scored on his debut in August and has added another goal, and was an unused substitute for both legs of a Copa Sudamericana match with Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense.
Cerro Porteno will need to qualify for next season's Copa Libertadores after finishing third in the Primera Division in 2024. They have never won a continental competition, but have reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana several times.
Yguazu-born talent Leon would not be the first Cerro Porteno star to play in the Premier League. Newcastle star Miguel Almiron started his career at the club, while several others – including former Fulham and Middlesbrough defender Fernando Amorebieta – spent time with the Asuncion side after spells in England.
The ties with United, which Cesar Luis Merlo says are “very advanced”, come at a difficult time for head coach Ruben Amorim. After starting his tenure with three games unbeaten, the Portuguese suffered back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Amorim and predecessor Erik ten Hag have both had injury problems on the left side. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were unavailable for a long time under Ten Hag, and Shaw suffered another setback after just three appearances under the new boss.
Leon, expected to cost around £3.1million, isn't the only left-back on United's radar amid suggestions Amorim could go after someone who can operate in his preferred 3-4-3 formation . Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez have both been linked, with Shaw's latest embarrassing injury potentially forcing the club into action in January.
“It hurts a lot to have to write this as I really thought I had overcome my recent struggles and was on a positive path forward, but unfortunately I have suffered a minor setback,” England international Shaw wrote in an Instagram -story.
“I've been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs, but this has definitely been my toughest period. I am absolutely devastated and it is extremely difficult to face the reality at the moment.
“I understand that there will be people frustrated, angry and disappointed and I understand all that. There is no one who feels that more than me right now.
“But what I can promise is that I will do everything I can to bounce back quickly and help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thanks to everyone for the support. It really doesn't go unnoticed and I really appreciate it.”
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