Man Utd accelerate plans to sign £67m star as Mauricio Pochettino’s first January transfer

Pochettino will be backed in the January transfer window (Picture: Getty Images) Manchester United plan to make a move for Como star Nico Paz as early as the January transfer window and make him one of Mauricio Pochettino’s first signings at Old Trafford.

Pochettino has signed a two-and-a-half year deal in Manchester with hope he can lift the club after their worst start to a season in 40 years.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss will be backed in the January window with up front and left-back believed to be two areas that could be strengthened.

With Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future in doubt, United are also monitoring Argentina international Paz.

The 22-year-old tormented Michael Carrick’s side in the Champions League last month, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4-1 victory having grown into one of Serie A’s brightest talents under Cesc Fabregas.

Read exclusive analysis of the biggest stories in football with Metro’s weekly football newsletter In The Mixer. Sign up now for free.

Paz joined Como in 2024 from Real Madrid with Los Blancos retaining a £67million buy-back clause which can be activated next summer.

While recent reports have suggested United’s interest in Paz is with a summer move in mind, Argentine newspaper Clarin now claims they could bring plans forward, with the attacking midfielder now on their shortlist of January targets.

Aware of Real’s summer buy-back clause, the report states United could accelerate negotiations and use Pochettino’s arrival to convince him to make the move to Manchester in early 2027, beating Real to the punch.

Real explored the possibility of re-signing Paz last summer with the player telling Jose Mourinho he wished to stay in Italy to continue his development.

Marca meanwhile add the possibility of a move to the Premier League appeals to Paz’s representatives although Como’s transfer position and Real’s intentions will be a deciding factor.

The Argentine youngster has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 14 appearances for Como this season.

United’s interest in his services comes as their captain Fernandes considers his future in Manchester having rejected two offers of a new contract.

His current deal expires at the end of the season although United do have the option to extend that by a further 12 months.

Arrow MORE: Chelsea rejected by Real Betis star with £25m release clause

Arrow MORE: Troy Deeney tells Mauricio Pochettino to axe Man Utd star: ‘Cut them out’

Arrow MORE: Arsenal star ‘will not turn down Real Madrid’ when transfer offer comes

Sign up to our daily football newsletter, pick your team and get the latest news sent directly to your inbox every morning.

Select your team for football news tailored to you Close

Sign up to our daily football newsletter, pick your team and get the latest news sent directly to your inbox every morning.

Select your team for football news tailored to you Close