Liverpool

Liverpool & Manchester United After Franco Zuculini

The giants of England's North West are set to duke it out for the Argie warrior being touted as 'the new Mascherano'...

Dec 3, 2008 1:36:37 AM

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Franco Zuculini - Racing Club

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According to the Daily Mail, both Liverpool and Manchester United are keeping close watch on Franco Zuculini, the Racing Club de Avellaneda midfielder.

The 18-year-old has been hugely impressive in his short professional career of 20-odd games, so much so that Argentina coach Diego Maradona has dubbed him "one of the stars at the next World Cup".

Indeed, Zuculini has been strongly likened to one of Anfield's current favourites - although the original version is only 24 himself, everyone is raving about 'the new Javier Mascherano'.

'El Jefecito' arrived on Merseyside early last year after an ill-fated stint at West Ham United, and has since come to be recognised as arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football.

The former River Plate man signed on permanently for the Reds this January, so it is unlikely they will be seeking an immediate upgrade.

However, with questions being raised over whether Lucas Leiva can cut it in the Premier League, Rafael Benitez may look to ship out the Brazilian youngster and draft in a new understudy to Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, there are concerns over Owen Hargreaves' long-term future after he underwent surgery recently on a tendonitis problem that has plagued his career.

The Canadian-born England star has played just 25 league games since moving from Bayern Munich last year, and it has been whispered that Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping an eye out for a worthy replacement.

But Liverpool and Man United would not only be battling each other for Zuculini, as it is thought that Juventus are leading the race for his signature.

The Old Lady attempted to lure Mascherano himself to Turin last winter, but the €21 million price-tag was well out of their reach and they opted for the out-of-favour Mohamed Sissoko instead.

But Momo and his midfielder partner, Christian Poulsen, have disappointed all too regularly this term, and Juve are reportedly ready to upgrade when the transfer window reopens next month.

Udinese had a €2.5 million bid rejected by Racing, who are demanding €10 million for their young superstar-in-the-making. However, financial problems mean the Argentine club should settle for around €7 million.

Leslie May, Goal.com