United to open talks for Nico Paz as Pochettino's first signing

Manchester United have identified Nico Paz of Como as the man to build their new team around under Mauricio Pochettino. According to FourFourTwo, the club see the 22-year-old Argentine as the natural successor to Bruno Fernandes, who at 32 has shown his age this season.

United are not alone. Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, and PSG are expected to intensify contact with the player and Como in December. Como bought Paz from Real Madrid, who kept an €80 million buy-back clause and a 50 per cent sell-on share. Como are reportedly keen on a £100m fee.

Pochettino leaves the United States job after their Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals against Haiti and takes charge of United from 18 November, with his first match away to Liverpool on 22 November. The talks are at an early stage, with no agreement reported.