Nico Paz is Manchester United's top target

Real Madrid C.F.

Nico Paz is back on the radar of a major European club. Manchester United are monitoring the progress of the Como attacking midfielder with a view to a possible move next summer, against a backdrop of uncertainty around Bruno Fernandes and changes in the Old Trafford dugout.

The English club's interest is not explained solely by his recent display against United, although that match strengthened his case. Paz scored twice and provided an assist in Como's 4-1 Champions League win last month. According to the information available, the scouting was already under way before that performance.

Real Madrid still hold a key card

The main factor in any deal lies with Real Madrid. Paz left the Spanish giants for Como in 2024, but the Madrid club retain a buy-back option valued at £67 million which they can activate next summer.

The 22-year-old 22 years old, is also into the final 18 months of his Como contract. Still according to the same information, the Argentine had already turned down a return to Real Madrid last summer, when the buy-back clause was set at £7.5 million.

From a sporting point of view, a possible return to the Spanish side would be complicated by the presence of Jude Bellingham in the No 10 role, the position in which Paz is producing his best form in Italy.

The United context

Manchester United are exploring options to refresh their attack. Bruno Fernandes, 32, will soon enter the final six months of his contract, although the club does have an option to extend his deal by a further year. His future is in doubt because of a dip in form and criticism of Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday.

The possible arrival of Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout would also add an Argentine link with Paz if the move were to progress. For now, it is worth stressing that this is monitoring and not a done deal.

United also have depth issues in attack: Benjamin Sesko is out until January with a shin injury, Marcus Rashford remains sidelined, Joshua Zirkzee has not started a match this season and Amad has not scored for the club since 15 December. Paz, who can operate as a No 10 or from the right, would fit into that search for more attacking options.