Manchester United are closing in on the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era, with Cerro Porteno left-back Diego Leon filmed travelling to England on Saturday. Leon is set to undergo medical examinations ahead of his dream summer transfer after United agreed a deal worth £4million last month.
The two clubs struck an agreement for the highly-rated Paraguayan talent ahead of the January transfer window, and the switch is now nearing completion.
United can't officially register Leon until he turns 18 in April, in compliance with FIFA regulations. He will remain at Cerro Porteno for the remainder of the campaign.
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However, Paraguayan outlets Versus and La Nacion report that the teenager will complete his medical and visit the Red Devils' facilities during his visit this weekend.
Leon was filmed arriving at an airport in Paraguay on Saturday alongside his agent, Renato Bittar, who briefly spoke to reporters.
"Now we are going to Manchester for the medical and to sign the contract. The idea is that he will be present for the club next season," Bittar confirmed.
Leon shared some words of his own, expressing his delight with the transfer and revealing he had already started preparing for life in Manchester.
He said: "It was just a dream and now I'm going to know everything. I'm going for the check-ups. I'll be back on Tuesday. I've already started studying [English]."
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Amorim is expected to prioritise the arrival of a new left-wing-back this summer as he ramps up plans to instil his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford.
Leon will likely initially join United's academy set-up and work his way towards breaching the first team next season.
The 5ft11 flanker reportedly boasts lightning-quick pace and a deceiving level of physicality, considering his trim frame.
It's claimed Leon thrives on entering the final third with the ball at his feet and is capable of delivering pinpoint crosses while travelling at high speeds.
His technical ability and potential have drawn comparisons to Brazilian football legend Marcelo.
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Leon remains a raw talent, though, and is said to possess defensive deficiencies, including rash decision-making and lapses in positional concentration.
But the South American starlet will hone his skills at Carrington, and Amorim will undoubtedly cast a watchful eye amid his plans to improve the club's academy output.
The Portuguese head coach will want fresh blood to improve his squad in the coming years - a method he so often used to build his empire of dominance at Sporting.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made no secret of his desire for United to become better at selling youth prospects during his attempts to boost the club's revenues.
