Manchester United are close to sealing their first transfer under new head coach Ruben Amorim, as Diego Leon is set to undergo his medicals today (January 12). The 17-year-old Paraguayan left wing-back currently plays for Cerro Porteno, where he broke into the first team last year.
Leon has played 19 Primera Division Clausara games for Cerro Porteno, finding the net on two occasions. He was notably in the starting lineup for 18 of those games. His performances clearly did enough to impress the Red Devils, who around £5 million for his services.
Reports (via Standard) have revealed that the teenage left-back is on the verge of completing his move to Old Trafford. He is expected to fly into Manchester today for his medicals at Carrington.
While the transfer is expected to be completed today, Leon will return to Paraguay, as he revealed (via Standard):
“It was just a dream and now I’m going to know everything. I’m going for the check-ups, I’ll be back on Tuesday. I’ve already started studying (English).”
He will be unable to make the move to England officially until he turns 18, due to restrictions around age. The youngster will turn 18 on April 3, but there is a chance that he might be loaned back to his current club to complete the season, before joining Manchester United in the summer.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted to the press that the club may not do business in January. While the transfer for Diego Leon will be completed in due course, he is not expected to join the Red Devils immediately.
United are currently struggling financially, as they would need to sell players in order to raise the funds for making key signings in the transfer market. However, Amorim has revealed that plans are not clearly underway for spending in the market this January. He told the press (via ESPN):
"I don't remember saying clearly that I want new players. What I said is sometimes the profile for this system is different and the players come here with a different idea of how to play. I don't remember saying that so clearly that I want new players."
There have been rumors that the Red Devils could sell academy graduates like Kobbie Mainoo to raise funds. When asked about these rumors, Amorim said:
"Our idea is always to keep the best players and the players we build for this club but we know what position the club is in at the moment. We will see. I really like the players, especially the guys from the academy.
"I really love my players, I want to keep them, especially the talented ones. It's a hard moment, I am really happy with Kobbie, he is improving."
Manchester United are set to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round today (January 12) at the Emirates Stadium.