Franco Mastantuono is one of the highest-rated youngsters in football, with the River Plate teenager catching the eye of Liverpool.

The Reds are one of many top European sides chasing the 17-year-old attacking midfielder with Liverpool joining Real Madrid in the race for Mastantuono, who could sign for a new club this summer before making the move to the continent in 2026.

With River Player competing in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, many fans will get a good first look at Mastantuono and what the youngster is capable of, with Liverpool likely to send scouts to the United States to watch the youngster in action.

Yet whilst Madrid might be the favourites for Mastantuono, the Reds could now have a big advantage in their bid to sign the teenager after a surprise transfer update this week.

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River Plate have emerged as a surprise suitor for Darwin Nunez, with the Argentine giants looking to sign the Liverpool striker ahead of the Club World Cup as the 25-year-old attacker weighs up his options going into the summer.

Liverpool are looking to sell Nunez as the Uruguay international once again failed to impress for the Reds having joined for a huge fee in 2022, with the forward scoring just seven goals in all competitions this season.

Indeed, a departure looks likely this summer for Nunez, and with River Plate now showing interest in the former Benfica man, Liverpool could use this to their advantage in their own bid to sign Mastantuono ahead of Madrid.

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Whilst the logistics of the deal would need to be ironed out, River Plate moving for Nunez could allow Liverpool to get the jump on rival clubs for Mastantuono, who has the potential to become one of the best players in the world based on his first few matches.

Liverpool have been experts in snapping up the biggest and brightest talents in England since Brexit came into place, with the Reds keeping their academy well-stocked with transfers that will help the first-team for years to come.

Yet landing a player like Mastantuono would be a step above what Liverpool fans are used to when it comes to the Anfield side securing the signature of a future prospect, with Football Talent Scout lauding the teenager as ‘one of the most talented’ youngsters in the game.

And offering Nunez to River Plate could help Liverpool with that dream of signing Mastantuono, who could be sold on a move to the Premier League champions with the right proposal and presentation from the Reds.