INEOS has taken a different approach when giving the green light for transfers with Manchester United. Rather than signing experienced, well-known players, the group is set on obtaining younger players who can be developed at the academy before coming into the first team.
Meet the 18-year-old wonderkid from Le Havre
Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Cameroon's Enzo Kana-Biyik from France's Le Havre in the summer. The 18-year-old is a forward with incredible talent. With Le Havre's U-19 side, he has played in 15 games and scored nine goals, with one assist. Before linking up with the U-19, Kana-Biyik enjoyed time with the U-17 squad.
Other clubs, like Monaco, were vying for the option to sign the wonderkid, but Manchester United seems to be the most appealing choice. Like other youth players, Kana-Biyik will train with the youth squad before making his way to the first team.
Reports say that the forward will spend the first season on loan with FC Lausanne-Sport, which INEOS also owns. This will provide minutes for Kana-Biyik and give him more first-team experience. If all goes well, Kana-Biyik could be one of Manchester United's next top prospects and provide Amorim with another option up top, as he looks to bring in other strikers.
Sunderland's young midfield prodigy
Being the brother of Jude Bellingham, Jobe Bellingham was already on many clubs' radars. However, the midfielder is making a name for himself as he continues to impress for Sunderland. In his second season, and at the age of 19, Bellingham has recorded a total of 11 goals and four assists across both seasons.
Before making the move to Sunderland, Bellingham played with Birmingham and for their youth teams. He has been sensational and will likely look to move to a bigger club. United are keen on bolstering their midfield, with departures imminent.
Bellingham could be a promising player for United and may go on to rival his brother as the best in their family. Manchester United have always had good youth prospects, and INEOS is pushing hard to maintain this approach. Bellingham has other clubs looking at him and could find himself amidst a transfer battle between these clubs.
Argentina's latest sensation
Argentina has produced talented players, with Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi being some of their biggest names. The South American country has yet another prodigy that top clubs are aiming for. Franco Mastantuono is a 17-year-old midfielder with River Plate who has been compared to Julian Alvarez, who also played for River Plate.
United considered a move earlier in the season for the midfielder but opted to wait instead. Other Premier League clubs are also interested in the Argentine, as are several in La Liga, including Barcelona. He has a release clause of £38m, which could be paid by United, should they have the funds.
Mastantuono will be closely watched for the rest of the season and during the Club World Cup, where he is expected to be vital. Already in 11 games, he has scored three goals and two assists this season. This number is expected to rise, and United will likely be keeping their eyes open for a potential move.