United lead race to sign New Messi (Juan Manuel Iturbe)

The People claims the 17-year-old, who has been hailed as the next Lionel Messi no less, will sign for Porto as soon as he turns 18. From there, it reports, United's close relationship with the Portuguese outfit will allow manager Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him after he's fully acclimatised to European football.

Iturbe has been on the radar of several European clubs including Juventus, Napoli and Atletico Madrid which made it a surprise when he chose to sign for Porto.

Sources close to the publication believe Iturbe would cost United at least £10million when he moves from Porto, with the cash to be split between the player and the agents involved.

It understood that agent Gustavo Mascardi was in Portugal last month to sort out the fees involved in Iturbe's transfer to Porto - the Portuguese giants are paying a fee of about £800,000 to be split by his former clubs Cerro Porteno of Paraguay and Quilmes of Argentina.

Iturbe is seen as a long-term replacement for United veteran Ryan Giggs who can no longer play a starting role over a sustained period of time. The plan is to continue to use Giggs sparingly to prolong what has been superb career at the club.

Recently, the 37-year-old Welshman extended his contract at Old Trafford for another season.