Liverpool lead Real Madrid in race to sign 17-year-old South American sensation | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono has been making ways this year in Argentina following his first-team breakthrough with River Plate, which has led to serious interest from top clubs in Europe.

Real Madrid, for one, have taken a liking to the versatile 17-year-old attacking midfielder who has three goals and assists each from 40 senior appearances.

The Spanish champions’ arch-rivals, Barcelona, too are monitoring the South American wonderkid as a potential target for the future.

However, both Real Madrid and Barça could miss out on the services of Mastantuono to a different club altogether.

Liverpool take lead

That is because according to reports in England, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have taken the lead in the race to secure Mastantuono’s signature.

Mastantuono (R) is a man in demand. (Photo by Hernan Cortez/Getty Images)

Indeed, the Reds are prepared to activate the release clause for the young midfielder, who is being hailed as one of Argentina’s most promising talents, leading to interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

There have also been mentions of Paris Saint-Germain keeping Mastantuono on their radar. However, it now appears that Liverpool might be ahead of the pack.

As per the report, Liverpool could pay the $45 million release clause that is embedded in Mastantuono’s contract with River Plate. The figure is said to rise to $50 million in the final weeks of the transfer window.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been scouting Mastantuono, but as has been previously reported, Los Blancos have reservations about shelling out such a big figure for the 17-year-old while the Blaugrana are not in a strong enough position financially to do so.