Manchester United Ralf Rangnick contacts River Pilate about Julian Alvarez winter move.
River Plate forward Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Europe after a breakout season in Argentina- Winning the Golden boots , and Manchester United among the potential destinations.
Ralf Rangnick, the interim manager for Manchester United, is well-known for his savvy ability in the transfer market throughout the footballing world and according to Argentinian daily Ole, United have approached River Plate with the aim of singing the wonderkid which is later verified by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Manchester United’s interest in Julián Álvarez is real. United sent a scout to Argentina to watch him. No negotiations between the clubs yet. #MUFC [@FabrizioRomano
The forward, who turns 22 in January, top-scored in the Argentine top-flight and earned his first international caps under Lionel Scaloni, prompting ambitions of a World Cup call-up next year.
His goals helped River win their domestic title, while he also netted twice in the Copa Libertadores as his team made it to the last eight.
Alvarez has a £17m release clause in his contract which rises to £21m in the last 10 days of the January transfer window with United tipped to take advantage before the South American becomes less affordable.
France international Anthony Martial has made his wish to leave Old Trafford clear, and has been linked with a January loan departure.
Likewise, veteran star Edinson Cavani is approaching the end of his deal and is courting heavy interest from Barcelona, who are keen to take him to LA Liga as a replacement for the recently retired Sergio Aguero.
He scored 18 goals in the 2021 season, three more than any other player in the Primera Division, having never previously reached double figures in a single campaign.
Naturally, this has prompted interest – not just from United, but also from Inter Milan, who already have Alvarez’s international colleague Lautaro Martinez – though the player is refusing to get carried away with a place in Qatar 2022 is his ultimate aim.
“Frankly, I don’t know what will happen, now I’m only thinking about celebrating. In January we will see,” Alvarez told the media after River’s Trofeo de Campeones victory (via Metro).
“We all know how much the World Cup means for a player,” he added when quizzed over whether a move might impact his chances of making Scaloni’s Argentina squad for Qatar 2022.
“When I make my decision I’ll choose what’s best for me.”
Argentina have already secured their place at the tournament in Qatar with five games to spare, and will hope to improve on their run to the last 16 in Russia in 2018.
He has made five appearances from the bench for his country, four in World Cup qualification and one in a victory over Bolivia during Argentina’s run to Copa America glory over the summer.
Alvarez’s Argentina debut came in June, when he replaced former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria in a World Cup qualifier against Chile
If he joins United’ he would become the seventh player from his country to represent the Red Devils after Di Maria, Gabriel Heinze, Marcos Rojo, Sergio Romero, Carlos Tevez and Juan Sebastian Veron.
He would also follow in a long line of River Plate players moving to the Premier League, with some of the bigger names to do so including Hernan Crespo, Javier Mascherano and former United striker Radamel Falcao.
