City are facing competition from a host of European giants with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Juventus and the two Milan clubs all said to be interested.

Echeverri has only featured four times off the bench for River Plate so he’s unlikely to be in City’s immediate plans.

Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign Argentine starlet Claudio Echeverri

Claudio Echeverri – U17 World Cup 2023 pic.twitter.com/KDZ59PRIXo

— ً (@AREDlTS) December 2, 2023

However, he has garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting talents from his country after his performances at the recent U17 World Cup.

The attacking midfielder scored five goals at the tournament, including a hat-trick against rivals Brazil.

His displays drew comparisons with compatriot Messi, who the 17-year-old is a huge admirer of.

‘As well as River, I would like to play for Barça. I’m a big fan of Messi and I used to watch him play for Barcelona, so I’ve had this team inside me since I was very young.’

River Plate put a £21.44m buy-out clause in the contract Echeverri signed in January – although that figure rises to £25.73m within 10 days of any transfer window closing.