Manchester United are one of a number of huge clubs with an eye on Lille striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The 21-year-old was in the Lille academy before moving back to his homeland of Belgium in 2020, joining Gent.
He made his professional debut with the Belgian side and then returned to Lille in 2024, where his reputation has grown.
The versatile forward scored eight Ligue 1 goals this season and will head to the World Cup this summer after being included in Belgium’s squad, despite being yet to win a senior cap.
The countdown is on
Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we’ve got everything you need to know. Sign up now.
Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport report that Serie A side Como are interested in the forward, but have serious competition.
Manchester United and Manchester City are tracking Fernandez-Pardo, according to the Italian report, as are Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
Earlier this season the Daily Mail reported that Newcastle United are also keen on the Belgian, as they need a replacement for Anthony Gordon who has gone to Barcelona.
Lille qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in Ligue 1 this season so will want to keep hold of one of their brightest talents.
How much he contributes to the Belgium cause over the World Cup will impact just how big the asking price they will be able to set amid the heavyweight interest.
Fernandez-Pardo has come through the Belgium youth ranks but there was a possibility that he could switch allegiance to Spain, thanks to family connections.
He was reportedly close to making that switch but has since explained that he never intended to turn his back on Belgium.
‘I think the decision would have been the same if I had had the conversation earlier and not just a few weeks before the World Cup,’ he said.
‘You have to think long term. I never said I wanted to play for Spain and, if it was understood that way, my words were distorted. The national team coach understood my story well.’
He added: ‘What triggered everything was my conversation with Vincent Mannaert [Belgium sporting director] and [manager, Rudi] Garcia. They convinced me: my mentality is more Belgian than Spanish. And I went through all the youth levels with Belgium. After that conversation it became clear, I said yes immediately and chose Belgium.’