Man City ready to wreck Man Utd plans for signing of record-breaker who could be bargain of the century

Man City have thundered into the race to sign a Man Utd target who’s been heralded as the new Paul Pogba, and his contract status means an almighty bargain is there to be had.

Elite clubs like Man City and Man Utd are often judged in the transfer market on who they sign for the here and now. However, equally important is picking up bargain signings of players who can go on to become world-beaters at little to no cost.

Alejandro Garnacho is a prime example of a player who could prove to be an incredible bargain when all is said and done.

The lively Argentine was brought to Man Utd for just £420,000 back in 2020 and has been a revelation in his breakthrough season at Man Utd.

Back in December, the Mirror brought news of United chasing a similar type of move for Benfica sensation, Cher Ndour.

The attack-minded midfielder stands at an imposing 6ft 3in tall and has drawn early-career comparisons with club-record signing, Paul Pogba.

The 18-year-old plays for Benfica and has primarily competed in their B team this season. However, he did make his senior debut for the first team back in March and is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in all of Europe.

Ndour is already a regular for Italy’s Under-20s and had been linked with returning to his home country if leaving Benfica. Ndour was previously plucked from Atalanta’s academy in 2020.

Juventus were named as Ndour’s primary suitor from Italy, though a fresh update from the Sun suggests a return to his homeland won’t be targeted.

Ndour snubs Italy return, but Man City threaten Man Utd

Instead, the Sun tout a move to England, but not necessarily to Man Utd. That’s because Man City have entered the frame for Ndour and their scouts have been ‘watching him closely’ while he’s been playing for both Benfica and Italy.

Ndour now counts Man Utd, Man City, Juventus, AC Milan and PSG among his suitors. However, Ndour is ‘not thought to favour’ moving back to Italy.

That leaves the two Manchester clubs and PSG in the mix for what could prove to be one of the bargains of the century.

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Indeed, Ndour is out of contract at season’s end and can leave without a transfer fee having to be paid.

Any club that does secure his signature will have to pay training compensation to Benfica and Atalanta, though that’ll pale in comparison to the size of transfer fee he would ordinarily command if under contract.

Ndour has already broken records in Portugal, most notably becoming the youngest ever player to turn out for Benfica’s B team.

At 16 years and 279 days, Ndour took the record previously held by João Felix (16 years and 312 days).

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