Man Utd 'agree first signing' of Ruben Amorim era

Manchester United are reported to have agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old Cerro Porteno left-back Diego Leon.

New head coach Ruben Amorim is understood to have wasted little time in highlighting his desire to bolster on the left side of defence, with his 3-4-2-1 setup requiring a different kind of profile to a traditional four-player back line.

Numerous reports have now confirmed that Amorim's wish has been met with a deal to sign the highly rated Leon, who has been a permanent starter in the Cerro Porteno side this season despite his age.

FIFA rules mean Leon will not be able to formally move to Manchester until after his 18th birthday in April, meaning he will complete his transfer to Old Trafford in the summer of 2025.

Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo states United will pay an initial $4m (£3.2m), with a further $1m (£0.8m) in simple add-ons. A further $4m could be paid in more long-term bonuses.

Whether Leon will turn out to be the sole addition to Amorim's left-back group remains to be seen, but his arrival could open the door to at least one departure. Questions have been asked about Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia's futures under the new boss, while academy gem Harry Amass also faces an uncertain future.

Amass, himself only 17, has made waves at youth level and caught the eye in pre-season under former manager Erik ten Hag, but he has not featured in a matchday squad under Amorim despite his concerns over the left-back position.

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