Manchester United are interested in signing LDU Quito midfielder Oscar Zambrano before the end of this month, according to Argentine journalist Christian Martin.
Writing in his column for El Futbolero, Martin claims Luton Town have already made an offer for the Ecuador youth international, but the ‘sudden interest’ from the Red Devils is making the Ecuadorian Serie A club and player have a change of heart.
Brighton & Hove Albion are also keen on Zambrano, but joining Man United could be more appealing to the 19-year-old.
The Old Trafford club do not want to repeat the same mistake they made by passing up the opportunity to sign Moises Caicedo as they see Zambrano as the new version of the Chelsea star due to their similar playing styles.
The teenage sensation is also a midfield powerhouse and could become worth the £115 million the Blues spent on his compatriot last summer.
A move to England will not be a problem for Zambrano as he qualifies to obtain a work permit.
Man United could be open to selling Casemiro, and the Quito star has what it takes to be his long-term replacement and dominate the Man United midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
Brighton signed Caicedo for £4.5m in January 2021, beating several clubs to his signature, and the Red Devils have a chance to take revenge and get Zambrano ahead of the Seagulls.
The youngster will come relatively cheap, which should make signing him this month easy.
The Red Devils have already sent Donny van de Beek out on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt and have ended Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon’s loan deal.
Jadon Sancho is heading out on loan to Borussia Dortmund, and more loan exits and sales are planned during the ongoing transfer window.
Major new signings are not expected, but they could still go ahead and complete a deal for Zambrano given that plenty of money will not be involved.
