MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer swoop for Diego Leon is the sign of a shift in policy.
The Paraguayan full-back, 17, completed a medical with the Red Devils after a deal worth up to £7million was agreed with Cerro Porteno.
3 Man Utd have agreed a deal for Paraguayan teen Diego LeonCredit: Instagram @ccp1912oficial
Leon is expected to see out the season with Cerro before joining Man Utd on July 1, by which time he will be 18.
The left-sided defender is the latest youngster to sign for United.
Last season the Red Devils pounced for Malian teenager Sekou Kone and Arsenal starlet Chido Obi-Martin.
In the summer they forked out £59m for Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.
According to the Telegraph, this marks a very deliberate shift in policy following several transfer mistakes in recent years.
Red Devils scouts recommended Moises Caicedo prior to his switch to Brighton, only for transfer chiefs to dither.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, meanwhile, famously recommended Erling Haaland to United bosses.
Red Devils scouts watched Pedro Neto while he was at Braga but club chiefs did not pull the trigger on a move.
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They also kept tabs on Benjamin Sesko as a 16-year-old in Slovenia, and Stefan Bajcetic prior to his move to Liverpool.
United watched Jamal Musiala but could not get a deal over the line.
And Jason Wilcox joined from Southampton as technical director.
Dan Ashworth was recruited from Newcastle to be sporting director, but left after just five months – with Wilcox so far assuming his responsibilities.
The signing of Leon is thought to be largely Wilcox-driven.
Leon has made 19 top flight appearances in Paraguay.
