Manchester United are keen on River Plate youngster Exequiel Palacios, according to the Sun (h/t Daily Star).
The 20-year-old is to be scouted by the Red Devils, and the report adds that United planned to send scouts for River’s clash with Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores.
Palacios plays mostly as a midfielder and has a goal and two assists from eight league games this season. The 20-year-old even got a couple of caps for Argentina last month. There is a lot of interest in the rising star as Real Madrid have tabled a £15m (h/t Daily Star) bid for the youngster.
The report further adds that United’s main focus is to get a central defender in the January window after failing to sign one in the summer. However, they are wary of losing out on the Argentine star and could make a move to sign him in the New Year.
United have a number of options in their midfield but getting someone with potential for a cheap deal could be a smart move from the Red Devils.
Palacios played in River’s 2-2 draw with Boca in the first leg of the Libertadores final, and the return fixture will take place on November 24.
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Mourinho needs to make a few signings in the winter window, as we need to strengthen the side. United lost 3-1 to Manchester City on Sunday, and lie seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.