Barcelona keeping tabs on 17-year-old Argentine wonderkid wanted by rivals Real Madrid: Reports

Barcelona are prepared to rival Real Madrid for the signing of Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, as per Mundo Deportivo. The Blaugrana are keeping tabs on the teenager before making a move.

River Plate midfielder Mastantuono is on the watchlist of several clubs in Europe due to the quality he has shown recently for the Argentine giants. Mastantuono made his professional debut for River Plate in January 2024, becoming the club's third youngest player in history.

He then scored his first goal for the club a month later at 16 years and 177 days old, beating Javier Saviola's record and becoming their youngest-ever goalscorer. Real Madrid reportedly kept close tabs on the young Argentine midfielder and were rumoured to be considering a move in the summer, but it did not materialize.

Mundo Deportivo report that La Blaugrana sent scouts to watch the youngster in action for River Plate. The scouts were first spotted during the Copa Libertadores game against Atletico Mineiro on October 30. The Barcelona scouts have watched the youngster a few more times in November as they continue to evaluate him.

Franco Mastantuono is a fine talent whose breakthrough in professional football came under Martin Demichelis, former Argentina defender. Now playing under Marcelo Gallardo, the youngster has reportedly agreed to avoid unnecessary drama with respect to his future and focus on the present until he turns 18.

Mastantuono has a contract with River Plate that runs until 2026, with a reported release clause of around €45 million. The left-footed 17-year-old has a goal and three assists in 29 league games for the side this season.

Real Madrid and Barcelona target sets timeline for future deliberation - Reports

Real Madrid and Barcelona target Jonathan Tah has reportedly set a timeline to decide on his future as his Bayer Leverkusen contract runs down. The German defender is set to become a free agent in the summer after reportedly turning down a contract extension from Bayer Leverkusen.

A report from Mundo Deportivo claims that Tah wants to decide on his future during the January transfer window amid interest from multiple sides. The 28-year-old will likely reach a pre-contract agreement with a side and will announce his decision at the end of the transfer window.

Bayern Munich reportedly remain in the running to sign Tah despite missing out on him in the summer, as do Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. The Germany international will provide quality and experience to any side he joins, making him a valuable free agent.