Argentina's 'New Messi' Could Reportedly Snub Manchester United Due To His Idol

A youngster dubbed in Argentina as “new Lionel Messi” is reportedly set to snub Manchester United’s offer due to his intentions to follow his idol who plays for a different club.

Transfer talks in Premier League become even more interesting as Manchester United look to add a promising teenager into their team. The Sun reported Sunday that the Red Devils is willing to put an impressive offer to sign Argentine youngster Thiago Almada, a skillful forward playing for Velez Sarsfield. However, reports claimed that Man United could be set to miss out on Almada as the young attacker prefers a move to the defending champions Manchester City.

United have reportedly been courting Almada in recent weeks but Man City’s boss Pep Guardiola has touted the Argentine to be a likely successor for the club’s veteran David Silva. Almada is believed to favor a move to City over United in a deal that could see the Premier League champions giving away £15 million ($18.1 million).

An even more captivating story added flare to Almada’s quest as Manchester Evening News reported that he prefers a move to Manchester City rather than neighbours Manchester United because of his idol Carlos Tevez, a former Man City star. Almada is believed to be opting to follow the footsteps of Tevez, who reportedly inspired his playing style growing up.

As a teenager, Almada is already a top prospect in his homeland earning the moniker “new Messi.” The 19-year-old burst onto the scene as one of the hottest rising stars in Argentina, having already scored 4 goals in the Argentine Superliga last season. As early as now, WhoScored already rated Almada an impressive 6.82.

Almada is tagged as a great playmaker and a terrific goal scorer. He is already a regular for Velez Sarsfield, scoring 5 goals in 25 appearances this season. Manchester City’s pursuit of signing Alamada has been an ongoing process. In fact, the club was reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Almada last summer but the youngster eventually signed a new contract to remain at Velez.

In Ligue 1, another teenage sensation is currently involved in a move to Premier League. Paris Saint-Germain youth team’s Kays Ruiz-Atil is a 17-year-old midfielder who is also being dubbed as “new Messi” in France.

The former Barcelona academy player reportedly opting to leave PSG and is now linked to a possible move to Premier League. Arsenal were said to be the frontrunners to sign Ruiz-Atil but Chelsea is also believed to be interested as well.