Cerro Porteno chief warns Manchester United their deal for Diego Leon could be hijacked | OneFootball

Cerro Porteno’s sporting manager, Gabriel Wainer has warned Manchester United that their deal for highly-rated youngster Diego Leon is at risk of being hijacked.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United’s technical director Jason Wilcox was working on agreeing a deal with Cerro Porteno for the transfer of Leon to Old Trafford.

It’s understood that United are close to getting a move over the line.

In fact, there have been suggestions that there is already a $6 million deal in place for Leon to join United from the Paraguayan outfit.

The 17-year-old has drawn attention with his performances for Cerro Porteño in his home country. He scored on his debut in August and has added one further goal. The left-sided defender was an unused sub for both legs of a Copa Sudamericana clash with Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense.

According to Manchester Evening News, United have scouted Leon extensively and consider him one of the best talents in South America.

In addition to United, other teams in Europe including Arsenal and Manchester City have been credited with an interest in Leon.

In a press conference in Paraguay, Wainer confirmed to reports that United are indeed in the driving seat to land the teenager but there are also other parties lurking in the background.

The Cerro Porteno chief said, “Manchester United has a clear intention to sign Diego Leon.”

“But the paperwork has not yet been finalised.”

He added, “Other teams have also asked about Leon in the last few hours, but the one that has shown a letter of intent, without going into detail, was Manchester United.”

It’s important to note that Leon can’t move to Manchester until he turns 18 in April.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social