MANCHESTER UNITED target Thiago Almada has dealt the club a blow by revealing that he is keen on a move to Leeds.
The Argentine playmaker, dubbed the new Lionel Messi, has been attracting the attention of Europe’s football giants.
The 19-year-old Velez Sarsfield star has netted four goals in Argentina’s top division this campaign.
SunSport previously revealed that Pep Guardiola has been chasing Almada for a year as he sees him becoming David Silva’s long-term successor.
The teenager is also reported to be a top summer target for both United and Arsenal.
But Leeds may have the edge ahead of a busy transfer window after returning to the Premier League.
Boss Marcelo Bielsa has been linked with a host of Argentinian talents, with Ole reporting that Almada is one of a five-man shortlist.
The wonderkid has since been asked about the rumours and admitted he would love to play under his compatriot at Elland Road.
He told TyC Sports: “I would like Bielsa to coach me.
“My friends sent me something about Bielsa, but I am calm. Whether it happens or not, we have to see.
“I don’t watch much soccer, but I saw some Leeds highlights and I saw something similar to what we did in Velez with (Gabriel) Heinze.”
Almada is believed to have a £19million release clause in his contract but both Manchester clubs were hoping to negotiate a smaller fee.
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SunSport previously cited sources in South America that say the teenager was enthusiastic about the possibility of moving to City.
Almada is reported to see Carlos Tevez as one of his footballing idols according to claims from his camp.
The Velez Sarfield star is believed to have been inspired by Tevez’s spell at City where he scored 58 goals in four seasons.
