Manchester United are in advanced negotiations with Flamengo over the transfer of Facundo Pellistri, according to Brazilian outlet O Globo.
The Uruguayan has been with the Red Devils since the summer of 2020, but he only made his debut this month against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup.
Pellistri provided an assist in his five-minute cameo in the quarter-final, but reports claim that he could still leave the club before the end of January.
Botafogo recently entered talks for the former Penarol youngster, but O Globo report that Flamengo have the edge with their good relationship with United.
The Brazilian heavyweights previously signed Andreas Pereira on loan and they are now looking for a similar agreement with an option to purchase.
Flamengo have proposed a one-year loan deal for Pellistri with a buy clause. They are prepared to pay his entire wages – which Botafogo may not afford.
United are yet to make a final decision on Pellistri but it is reported that they are ‘interested’ in the offer and talks are progressing fast with Flamengo.
United can’t lost both Elanga and Pellistri this month
In recent days, both Anthony Elanga and Pellistri have been linked with moves away from the club.
Elanga is currently on the radar of Borussia Dortmund. The club graduate would like to join them on loan but a deal may not materialise if Pellistri is heading for the exit door.
United are presently the only English club playing in four competitions and they need plenty of squad depth, considering the fixtures are congested following the World Cup.
Hence, it does not make sense to lose both Elanga and Pellistri without a replacement. In our view, Pellistri has more potential but he does not appear in the manager’s plans.
He was recently hailed as ‘spectacular‘ by compatriot Ronald Araujo in an interview with El Pais. However, things have not worked out for him at the club level with the Red Devils.
United paid around €8.5 million to sign him from Penarol in 2020. The hierarchy will be hoping to recoup the entire fee by selling him to Flamengo in 12 months’ time.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
