New Manchester City signing Claudio Echeverri has already wowed one senior member of the Argentina squad.
On Wednesday the Guardian reported that City have agreed a deal to sign Argentina’s Under-17 World Cup star Echeverri from River Plate for €25million (£21.7million).
The 17-year-old, who netted a hat-trick against Brazil in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Indonesia last month, is allegedly scheduled to remain with River Plate for another year on loan as part of the deal.
The youngster’s deal was set to expire at the end of the next year, and he had refused to commit his future beyond then amid interest from the Premier League and La Liga giants Barcelona.
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The midfielder is reportedly expected to sign a long-term contract with City and complete his move when the January transfer window opens next week.
Echeverri, as one of Argentinian football’s most exciting burgeoning talents, has already trained with the senior national team and impressed, among others, Angel Di María with his playing style and attitude.
"You can see he's got some fire in him. He's got a lot to give," the veteran forward noted via Copa 90.
Di Maria added: "We've already been seeing it. It's nice that the coaching staff gives these types of opportunities to the little ones to be able to enjoy with the older ones in this beautiful moment that we are living in."
Known as El Diablito (little devil), Echeverri made just five league appearances for the River Plate first team last season.
In turn, his manager Martín Demichelis has insisted he still has room to develop.
As per Copa 90, the River Plate boss said: "Nobody doubts Claudio’s technical abilities and his intelligence that allows him to solve all sorts of difficult situations.
"But from a physical standpoint, the first phase was very difficult for him. When I joined River, I knew Echeverri was a diamond in the rough to be cut and polished."
Topics: Manchester City, Argentina, Angel Di Maria, Transfers, Football
Chris Byfield