Manchester United appear to be taking a huge risk with their stance on Alejandro Garnacho's contract, with top European clubs circling around the attacker.
Garnacho has broken into Erik ten Hag 's plans in impressive fashion this season, memorably scoring a last-minute winner against Fulham just before the World Cup. He has also provided two assists in his last two games, with United now in title contention.
But there is a looming problem on the horizon for the Red Devils, with Garancho approaching the end of his contract. His current deal has just 18 months to run, though United do hold an option to extend that by a further year.
According to The Independent, United have offered the 18-year-old a new contract. So far though, Garnacho has refused to sign that deal, with his representatives demanding more than the £20,000 per week wage the Red Devils have proposed.
He is currently earned £7,000 per week, which is not seen as reflecting status in Ten Hag's squad. United are said to have made it clear they will raise the wages of young players as they begin to earn a regular place in the first-team.
Talks have so far been positive between the Red Devils and Garnacho's representatives. But while a new deal for the wonderkid is stalling, other European clubs are circling around the United star.
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It is said that both Juventus and Real Madrid are monitoring his situation at Old Trafford. Los Blancos are not thought to have made a contract offer to the Argentine yet, though they remain keen on him.
The LaLiga giants are seeking to rebuild their new squad with a fresh generation of players. Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni have already arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the trend of buying young players set to continue.
Garancho's star is certainly rising, earning high praise for his performance off the bench in United's win over Manchester City on Saturday. United legend Paul Scholes insisted that the youngster is starting to outshine star summer signing Antony.
""I think a special mention for Garnacho as well, it was a massive influence when he came on. I’d argue a bit more of an influence than Anthony was," Scholes told BT Sport.
"He’s shown when he came into the game he can be so quick, it looks like he’s going to score goals, runs through all the time, and makes United look really dangerous."
Garnacho will look to be involved again on Wednesday, when United travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. A win over the Eagles will see the Red Devils cut Arsenal's lead down to six points ahead of Sunday's top of the table clash between the two sides.
