Lionel Messi has given Man Utd target Thiago Almada his seal of approval

Lionel Messi has already given Manchester United target Thiago Almada his seal of approval.

According to journalist Bruno González García, United and Manchester City have both reached out to Major League Soccer side Atlanta United to enquire about signing Argentinian attacking midfielder Almada.

The Buenos-Aires born star has been one of the MLS’ stand-out players since he arrived at Atlanta from Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield for $16million (£12million) last February.

This season, in particular, the World Cup winner has netted eight goals and claimed a league-high nine assists.

And Almada, who is valued by Transfermarkt at £17million has also impressed for Argentina since making his debut last September.

The youngster has even received praise from seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi for his work with the national team.

Messi on Almada

Messi was impressed with Almada when the Atlanta midfielder made his Argentina debut in a 3-0 win over Honduras in Miami, Florida.

Almada made a 36-minute cameo after he came off the bench to replace Sevilla midfielder Papu Gomez in the 54th minute.

And in a post-match interview, via the Mail Online, Messi said: “Thiago plays loose.

“He's very fast and he has a lot of 1-v-1 ability. He's very clever and he's not afraid of anything. He goes at you.”

Elsewhere, United have agreed a £60million deal to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea on a five-year contract.

The England international has completed his medical ahead of the proposed move, with the contract now being finalised. A formal announcement is expected in the next 24 hours.

The deal is a £55million initial payment plus £5million in performance-related add-ons.

Mount only has a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and United initially had three bids rejected by their Premier League rivals.