Manchester City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has “contacted” the representative of River Plate midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to Minuto Uno.

The Argentinian website claims that the 21-year-old, who is a teammate of Julian Alvarez, is being tracked by the Citizens who are “willing” to “make a large outlay of money to sign the player”.

Fernandez is believed to have a release clause of around €20m (£17m), which means that he would actually cost a similar amount to Alvarez, who is set to move to the Etihad this summer for €17m (£14m) plus add-ons.

Some news outlets in Argentina have said in recent days that City are not interested in Fernandez but Minuto Uno say “reports from his inner circle” have confirmed Begiristain’s inquiry.

Fernandez already has one big fan in former Arsenal winger Robert Pires, who went to watch River Plate back in February, stating he was very impressed by the young midfielder’s ability:

“I loved number 13. Not because he played in my position, but he has a very good way of playing, of moving around, he always gives solutions to his teammates, he handles the ball… what I like the most is that he always wants to break the line or play with the wingers. I loved everything I saw from Enzo Fernandez.”