Man Utd keeping tabs on Spanish starlet
Wednesday 09 January 2013
Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Leo Baptistao from Rayo Vallecano, ESPN has reported.
Leo, 20, has been with Vallecano since the age of 16, and has become a regular member of their 1st team setup this season, after struggling with injuries and illness early in his career.
However, after making 17 appearances and scoring six goals this season, his form has led to him attracting the attention of several clubs, including Athletico Madrid, Liverpool and QPR, with reports in Spain suggesting that Sir Alex Ferguson was recently at Vallecano's 3-1 win over Getafe to watch the youngster in action.
An offer in the region in the €6 million would be expected, but reports are suggesting Athletico may already have reached a agreement for a transfer in the summer.
United have a fairly formidable strike force already at their disposal, with Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck already at Ferguson's disposal. However, Leo's recruitment would also fall in line with Ferguson's reputation of recruiting young players from around the globe.
The United manager already has a history of signing young talent and blending them into the club setup, with players like Rooney, Rafael, Nani and David De Gea all brought to the club early in their careers, and now featuring regularly in the 1st team.
Vallecano currently sit 7th in La Liga, meaning they could play in European competition via the Europa League next season. Athletico currently sit 2nd, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, which would lead to Champions League football next season if they maintain their current position, a definite draw-card to any potential signings.
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