By Alan Smith
Manchester United have announced the signing of youngster Diego Leon. The Paraguayan defender’s move had been agreed months ago but he has now officially joined from Cerro Porteno.
Full back Leon, who turned 18 in April, has already played 33 senior games and scored four goals for Porteno. United said in a statement that Leon “as an emerging talent will be supported by our first team and the academy whilst he settles into life in Manchester.”
Leon is United’s second official signing of the summer window, following Matheus Cunha’s 拢62.5m arrival from Wolves, while they maintain a strong interest in bringing in Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
The Leon announcement follows confirmation that five players including Marcus Rashford have been granted permission to return late to pre-season training so they can work on finding a new club.
Cunha has been given Rashford’s No.10 shirt ahead of the new season and the Brazilian will be among those reporting for duty on Monday, with head coach Ruben Amorim already pictured at work in Carrington.
Rashford remains of interest to Bayern Munich and Barcelona, who have failed intheir attempt to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. Aston Villa, for whom Rashford shone in parts while on loan for the second half of last season, decided against picking up an option to make his switch permanent.
Beyond Rashford, United have granted permission for four other players to NOT return for pre-season training on Monday as they seeks moves away.
Alejandro Garnacho was reportedly told he could find a new club after row over being benched for May’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.
Chelsea turned down the chance to sign Jadon Sancho for 拢5m at the end of his mediocre loan move last season and has recently been linked with a switch to Juventus.
Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis and was keen on making deal permanent but financial hurdles have complicated it, while left back Tyrell Malacia was at PSV Eindhoven for the second portion of last season, making 12 appearances in all competitions.
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