Manchester United told board will have to accept 'new Lionel Messi' transfer after Ed Woodward talks

Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Velez Sarsfield star Thiago Almada. The Red Devils have identified the attacking midfielder as a potential signing. The 19-year-old has scored five goals and providing two assists in 25 appearances before the coronavirus-enforced cancellation of the Argentine domestic season. His impressive performances earned him comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United are reportedly one of SIX clubs looking to attract the teenager to Europe this summer. Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan are also said to be interested in him. Last month, Tuttomercatoweb reported that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had made initial contact with Velez Sarsfield and the player's representatives in order to reach an agreement of around £16million. Now the Red Devils chief has received a timely boost after a member of the club's board admitted they are powerless to keep Almada at the club. “There’s no way to hold him. To all the offers that are seen in the media, add one from the local market and two from Italy," the board member told ESPN. “We’re going to wait for the market to open so that we know what is real and who’s asking, and we’ll be as serious at the negotiating table as we have been since this administration began.” Almada has signed a four-year deal and it includes £22.3million release clause. Source: Express