da 888： Manchester City are said to be leading Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race to sign Claudio Echeverri, who has been dubbed 'the next Lionel Messi'.

da bet nacional： Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man City favourites to land EcheverriWill face competition from top European clubsWas part of Argentina's 2023 U17 World Cup squadWHAT HAPPENED?

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are considered favourites to sign River Plate and Argentina sensation Echeverri. Despite interest from a host of other top European clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the Cityzens are poised to win the transfer race because they share a good relationship with River Plate after the transfer of Julian Alvarez in 2022, according to the .

Advertisement@ArgentinaTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has a keen eye for goal. He was part of the Albiceleste squad that reached the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup. Echeverri was the team's second highest scorer in the competition with five goals to his name, which included a hat-trick in the quarter-final against arch-rivals Brazil.

Getty Images/GoalDID YOU KNOW?

Like several other young Argentine footballers, Echeverri grew up idolising Messi and revealed in an interview before the U17 World Cup that he wants to follow in his idol's footsteps and join Barcelona in the future.

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

Alvarez has proved to be a successful signing for City, becoming an integral part of Pep Guardiola's squad in his two seasons at the club. He has started in all 14 Premier League games the club have played so far in 2023-24, scoring four goals and providing six assists. The Argentina forward's success will surely encourage the club officials who are once again set to do business with River Plate for Echeverri's services.