Manchester United have stolen a march on fierce rivals Liverpool in the race for one of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup, according to reports.
The player in question? Enzo Fernandez.
Midfielder Fernandez, of course, saw his star not only rise, but surge through the roof over the course of the last month in Qatar.
After being rewarded for a stellar cameo off the bench in Argentina’s group stage victory over Mexico, the 21-year-old never looked back, starting and shining in each and every one of the Albiceleste’s remaining five fixtures en route to eventual World Cup glory last week.
Such fine form, fresh off an equally impressive opening to the term on the books of Portuguese giants Benfica, has seen interest in Fernandez’s signature quickly mount ahead of the January transfer window.
To this point, the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have all been touted as potential landing spots for the midfield talent following the turn of the year.
As alluded to above, though, late on Friday, it is two of Fernandez’s other suitors who have emerged front and centre in the chatter surrounding his name.
The info comes courtesy of journalist Bruno Andrade of CNN Portugal, who points towards a new frontrunner - in the form of Manchester United - as having emerged in the race for the Benfica star.
The Red Devils, it is claimed, have ‘overtaken Liverpool in the race for Enzo Fernández.’
This comes after a fresh round of negotiations between the Old Trafford hierarchy and the Argentina standout.
Not only that, but Andrade even suggests that, in a bid to beat out the competition, Man United could go as far as to pay Fernandez’s €120 million Benfica release clause.
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