Man Utd ‘identify £4m star from little-known league’ as Ruben Amorim’s first signing but he can’t join in January

MANCHESTER UNITED have identified their first signing under new manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the January transfer window.

According to talkSPORT, United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego Leon, who plays in Costa Rica’s first division and is valued at around £4million.

Instagram @ccp1912oficialManchester United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego Leon[/caption]

Tigo SportsLeon is valued at around £4m but Man Utd can’t sign him until he turns 18[/caption]

Negotiations are being led by Man Utd technical director Jason Wilcox after Dan Ashworth’s shock exit as sporting director just five months into the job.

However, Leon, 17, won’t be able to move to Old Trafford during the winter market.

That is because the left-back is under 18 and thus the Red Devils will have to wait until at least April.

FA and Premier League rules do not allow clubs to sign players based abroad before their 18th birthday.

However, the rules do not prevent teams from agreeing deals for underaged players.

The Paraguayan ace stood out last season in Costa Rica with 19 appearances, which saw him score twice.

United have struggled at the left-back position with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being stricken by injury.

Shaw recently returned from a calf strain but suffered a setback and immediately returned to the treatment room.

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This comes after reports suggesting new manager Amorim will work on a much smaller budget than predecessor Erik ten Hag.

During Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years in charge, the Manchester giants splashed more than £600million.

That included £86m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro, £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £60m on Mason Mount.

However, Amorim will have to work with less amid the growing PSR theat.