Man City, Man Utd and Real Madrid in three-way transfer tussle to sign Argentine star Enzo Fernandez
ARGENTINE prodigy Enzo Fernandez is set to become the subject of a three-way transfer tussle between three of European football's elite clubs, according to reports.
The 21-year-old River Plate star is being targeted by Manchester City, Manchester United and Champions League finalists Real Madrid.
According to Clarin, the star is irreplaceable for Marcelo Gallardo's River Plate side, but with a release clause of just £17million the situation could be taken out of their hands.
All three clubs have had success shopping in the South American markets, with Man City already securing the services of the 2021 Americas player of the year Julian Alvarez - also from River.
Fernandez returned from a year long loan at Defensa y Justicia and has become an integral part of River's team this season, contributing 13 goals in 18 appearances from central and defensive midfield.
His accolades and qualities make it obvious why teams of the calibre of Madrid and both Manchester clubs are interested in him.
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Man United are set to undergo a major facelift both on and off the pitch as Football Director John Murtough and incoming manager Erik ten Hag look to restore the club to its former glory.
A large number of players are expected to leave this summer, with Nemanja Matic among those definitely departing and leaving an already lacklustre midfield with even fewer options.
On the other side of the City, Pep Guardiola's side will lose the experience of veteran Brazilian Fernandinho, whose contract expires this summer.
Fernandez would therefore be a logical acquisition as a direct long-term replacement who can come in as Rodri's understudy.
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City have of course already signed Erling Haaland as well, meaning the signing of Fernandez would bring them up to three incoming transfers, all for relatively cheap transfer fees.
Over in Madrid, signings for Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger are expected to be completed and finalised soon, while they are also in the race for Monaco star Aurelian Tchouameni.
Fernandez has a major choice to make this summer, and while River also do not want to lose him in their push for a Copa Libertadores and Copa de Liga, the appeal of European football could be too great.