Manchester United are gearing up for a busy end to the transfer window.The last 12 months have seen the Red Devils gradually start to rebuild their playing squad after years of underachievement.As a result they've signed players such as Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes as they look to develop a core of leaders and strong personalities.Finishing third last term was a big achievement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the target going into the new season will surely be based on challenging for the Premier League title.Unfortunately things haven't got off to the best of starts.While other clubs have strengthened in the transfer market, the entrance at Old Trafford has been remarkably quiet.Donny van de Beek is the only major signing so far after arriving from Ajax - something that the club must look to change in the coming days.Reports have suggested that deals for Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani are close to be agreed.
That will be a big boost to United supporters, but it seems that another promising addition could be following them in to Manchester.According to El Observador, Man United are closing in on a deal for Facundo Pellistri.The 18-year-old currently plays for Penarol and is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in south American at the moment.Described by Fabrizio Romano as 'a special talent', United have reportedly matched the release clause of Pellistri's club which is thought to be around £9million.
It's claimed that Man United will have beaten Lyon to his signature, with the French club also said to be interested.
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This is a really exciting deal for Manchester United.
Facundo Pellistri is one of the top young talents in world football and looks likely to have a career at the highest level.
For United to get a deal done at this early stage of his career is quite a coup.
A fee of £9million in today's market is nothing, and assuming that he will develop in the way that they want this could turn into a lucrative piece of business.
Will he be a first team regular? It's unlikely but that doesn't mean that his opportunity won't come.
Look at the likes of Mason Greenwood who is now a first team regular - that's the template for a player like Pellistri to follow as he looks to make a name for himself.
He's already made 37 first team appearances for Penarol, and so continuing that development at senior level will be key for him.
If United can offer that then it's a deal that will work for all parties.