Manchester United is nearing the acquisition of highly-rated defender Diego Leon, with the 17-year-old scheduled to undergo a medical at Carrington before finalizing his transfer.
The Paraguayan left-back, who has shone with Cerro Porteño in the local league, will join United on a pre-contract agreement for a reported fee of £6 million. Although Leon won’t officially become part of the squad until summer, his trip to Manchester includes a medical, meetings with key staff members, and a tour of United’s facilities.
Technical director Jason Wilcox has been crucial in finalizing the deal, highlighting United’s increasing emphasis on scouting young talent in South America.
Leon naturally plays at left-back, a position that has caused issues for United lately due to ongoing injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. While the club is expected to recruit a senior left-back this summer, Leon will be allowed time to grow and adapt to English football.
A similar route is being taken by Sekou Kone, an 18-year-old forward acquired last year from Guidars FC in Mali. Kone has made only one start for the Under-21s due to injury and is still adjusting to the intensity of the game in England.
Both Leon and Kone are seen as exciting prospects for Manchester United’s future first team.