Alejandro Garnacho 'close to signing new Manchester United contract'

Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Alejandro Garnacho to a new long-term contract.

The 18-year-old has been a regular for the Red Devils during the 2022-23 campaign, making 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing five assists in the process.

Garnacho netted his first senior goal for the club against Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the start of November before hitting the winner against Fulham in the Premier League before the break for the World Cup.

The teenager has continued to impress in recent matches, providing assists in the recent wins over Everton, Bournemouth and Manchester City.

Garnacho's current deal at Old Trafford is due to run until June 2024, with the option of a further 12 months, but Man United are keen to sign him to a long-term agreement due to his progression.

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The Independent have claimed that the youngster has turned down the chance to sign a £20,000-a-week deal, with his representatives not believing that it reflects his importance to the side.

However, discussions surrounding a new deal for Garnacho - currently on £7,000 a week - are believed to have been positive.

Real Madrid and Juventus are among the clubs said to be interested in signing the Argentina Under-20s international, but according to The Telegraph, an agreement over a new deal is close.

The report claims that despite the recent speculation, there could be an announcement in the near future over a long-term agreement, with Garnacho keen to remain at Old Trafford.

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Garnacho came off the bench to provide the assist for Marcus Rashford to score the winner against Man City in the Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon.

"Yeah, he's [improving] a lot," said Man United boss Erik ten Hag on Tuesday when asked about the teenager. "He has skill and I don't see that many players, even in the Premier League, who have that skill, like he beats players one-on-one.

"But he learned in the last months how to play in the team and how to live and do the right things in the week, and how to have the right attitude on the training ground.

"You can see how he is acting as a team player," explained the manager. "But his individual skills can make the difference. Also, for him, it's to keep going in the process, it's not done as there is a lot to come and a lot more room for improvement for him, but he can help contribute on the highest level.

"I'm really happy. It is a bonus for us, as a club, that you bring in young players who come into the squad and even come into the team. I think also it is a part of our project that has to contribute to our success."

Garnacho started his youth career at Getafe before moving to Atletico Madrid, spending five years with the capital giants ahead of a switch to Man United in October 2020.