Explained: Why Man City are in pole position to sign the 'next Lionel Messi' with Argentine wonderkid Claudio Echeverri also attracting transfer interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona & PSG

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are considered favourites to sign River Plate and Argentina sensation Echeverri. Despite interest from a host of other top European clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the Cityzens are poised to win the transfer race because they share a good relationship with River Plate after the transfer of Julian Alvarez in 2022, according to the Mirror.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has a keen eye for goal. He was part of the Albiceleste squad that reached the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup. Echeverri was the team's second highest scorer in the competition with five goals to his name, which included a hat-trick in the quarter-final against arch-rivals Brazil.

Like several other young Argentine footballers, Echeverri grew up idolising Messi and revealed in an interview before the U17 World Cup that he wants to follow in his idol's footsteps and join Barcelona in the future.

Alvarez has proved to be a successful signing for City, becoming an integral part of Pep Guardiola's squad in his two seasons at the club. He has started in all 14 Premier League games the club have played so far in 2023-24, scoring four goals and providing six assists. The Argentina forward's success will surely encourage the club officials who are once again set to do business with River Plate for Echeverri's services.