MX23RW : Friday, December 20 07:32:22| >> :120:29708:29708:

Manchester United, Liverpool hold interest in Udinese youngster?

Man United, Liverpool hold interest in Udinese youngster?
© Reuters
Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs who are monitoring the progression of Udinese youngster Simone Pafundi.

Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly identified Udinese youngster Simone Pafundi as a potential future transfer target.

After contrasting 2021-22 seasons, the two Premier League giants are set to have entirely different summer windows, Liverpool already making a statement of intent.

On Monday morning, it was confirmed that a deal worth £85m had been agreed for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez, the Merseyside giants seemingly getting the better of United in the race for the Uruguay international's signature.

However, if reports are to be believed, the pair are expected to lock horns for another player in the former of Udinese prospect Pafundi.

According to The Sun, United and Liverpool have both taken note of the teenager's rise to senior football at the Dacia Arena.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp before the match on February 16, 2022© Reuters

Despite having only turned 16 years of age in March, Pafundi has already represented Udinese in Serie A, his debut coming on the final day of this season.

With his team 4-0 up at Salernitana, the midfielder was introduced for the final 22 minutes, keeping things ticking over with an 83% pass-completion rate.

Udinese have since appointed Andrea Sottil as their new head coach, leaving it unclear whether Pafundi can expect to be fast-tracked into the first-team picture on a regular basis.

Nevertheless, it appears that United and Liverpool are monitoring the situation ahead of trying to agree a transfer for when the player turns 18 years of age in March 2024.

As per regulations since Brexit, English clubs cannot sign youngsters from European leagues until they are 18, effectively handing the advantage to clubs on the continent.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on February 24, 2022© Reuters

The report adds that Barcelona, Real Madrid and several other clubs from La Liga are admirers of Pafundi, who has already attracted the attention of Italy boss Roberto Mancini.

Pafundi was invited to train with the national team during a training camp earlier this year, a clear sign that the diminutive playmaker comes with high expectations.

As it stands, Pafundi has only been rewarded with one cap for the Under-17s, although it would come as a surprise if he did not make rapid progression up the age groups.

Leicester City and Everton are also regarded as potential destinations for Pafundi, who contributed six goals and seven assists in just 14 Primavera 2a 21/22 appearances this campaign.

ID:487921:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5145:
Written by
Darren Plant

Click here for more stories about Simone Pafundi

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Robert Lewandowski in action for Bayern Munich in February 2022
Read Next:
Man United transfer roundup: Lewandowski a target, Ten Hag convinces De Jong to join
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Broncos
@
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!