Manchester United in talks to make Ruben Amorim’s first signing but he can’t join right away
Manchester United are in talks with teenage Paraguayan defender Diego León, talkSPORT understands. The 17-year-old left-back is valued at around £4million and the talks are being led by United’s technical director Jason Wilcox. Diego Leon is wanted by Manchester UnitedInstagram @ccp1912oficial Leon would become the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford. However, the Portuguese boss would not be able to work with Leon until the summer as the Paraguayan is under 18. Football Association (FA) and Premier League rules prevent clubs from signing players based abroad under the age of 18. However, it does not stop clubs from agreeing deals for those players, which would be the case with the Cerro Porteno defender. Leon made 19 appearances for Cerro Porteno in the 2024 Primera Division Clausura season, which is the top division in Costa Rica. The teen also scored two goals in his first three games this term. Cerro Porteno finished sixth out of 12 teams. Wilcox’s key role in the transfer talks comes after United parted ways with sporting director Dan Ashworth, who had started his role in July. United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to have played a key role in the decision to split with Ashworth. The Red Devils’ pursuit of a left-back is also noteworthy given Luke Shaw‘s repeated injury woes. Jason Wilcox is the man leading talks in the deal for LeonGetty Shaw, United’s left-back when fit, recently suffered a ‘small setback’ in his return to fitness. The 29-year-old had missed the start of the campaign due to a calf strain he sustained in pre-season. Shaw has since made just three appearances off the bench for the Red Devils this season, which came against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton. Those three fixtures were also Amorim’s first three games in charge. However, Shaw confirmed he was back on the treatment table after he was absent from the United squad that travelled to Arsenal on December 4. “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback,” Shaw wrote on his Instagram story. Shaw, United’s starting left-back, has dealt with persistent injuriesGetty “I’ve been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. “I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time. “I understand there is gunna [sic] be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all that. “There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time. “But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. “Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.” United added in their statement: “We are all with you.” talkSPORT BET Offer Bet £10 And Get £30 In Free Bets CLAIM HERE T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly Check out all the best free bets and offers from talkSPORT and our partners
Manchester United are in talks with teenage Paraguayan defender Diego León, talkSPORT understands.
The 17-year-old left-back is valued at around £4million and the talks are being led by United’s technical director Jason Wilcox.
Leon would become the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford.
However, the Portuguese boss would not be able to work with Leon until the summer as the Paraguayan is under 18.
Football Association (FA) and Premier League rules prevent clubs from signing players based abroad under the age of 18.
However, it does not stop clubs from agreeing deals for those players, which would be the case with the Cerro Porteno defender.
Leon made 19 appearances for Cerro Porteno in the 2024 Primera Division Clausura season, which is the top division in Costa Rica.
The teen also scored two goals in his first three games this term.
Cerro Porteno finished sixth out of 12 teams.
Wilcox’s key role in the transfer talks comes after United parted ways with sporting director Dan Ashworth, who had started his role in July.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to have played a key role in the decision to split with Ashworth.
The Red Devils’ pursuit of a left-back is also noteworthy given Luke Shaw‘s repeated injury woes.
Shaw, United’s left-back when fit, recently suffered a ‘small setback’ in his return to fitness.
The 29-year-old had missed the start of the campaign due to a calf strain he sustained in pre-season.
Shaw has since made just three appearances off the bench for the Red Devils this season, which came against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton.
Those three fixtures were also Amorim’s first three games in charge.
However, Shaw confirmed he was back on the treatment table after he was absent from the United squad that travelled to Arsenal on December 4.
“Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback,” Shaw wrote on his Instagram story.
“I’ve been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period.
“I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.
“I understand there is gunna [sic] be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all that.
“There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time.
“But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season.
“Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”
United added in their statement: “We are all with you.”
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Bet £10 And Get £30 In Free Bets
T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
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