Real Madrid keen on Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho transfer

REAL MADRID are keeping tabs on Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho after earning praise from Lionel Messi, reports suggest.

Garnacho enjoyed a breakout season with United's Under-18s as he amassed a total of 14 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

The winger is now being tipped for a first-team role under new manager Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils are set to offer him a new lucrative deal.

According to DefensaCentral, however, Real are keeping tabs on the Argentina international's contract talks as they could swoop in.

The 17-year-old's deal runs out next year and Los Blancos will be able to approach him if a renewal isn't reached.

Real are watching him "very closely" but there are also other clubs keeping an eye on ongoing talks.

Garnacho is currently enjoying a summer break in Ibiza after a busy season that saw him winning over United's decision makers.

The Argentine played a key role in the reserves' FA Youth Cup triumph and also made two appearances with the senior squad.

That all earned the teenager an unexpected call-up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.

Garnacho never managed to start for United's first team but he still got to train alongside his country's finest and earned admiration from Messi himself.

The youngster moved to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and quickly started to turn heads.

The Argentine ace was called the "jewel" of Atletico's academy and the Madrid giants let him go with a heavy heart.