Man City lead European giants in race for the 'next Lionel Messi' - as 'seven clubs prepare to battle it out' for Argentina's U17 starlet

Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign an Argentinian teenager that he been likened to a young Lionel Messi.

The Mirror report that the Premier League giants have sent scouts to watch River Plate starlet Claudio Echeverri on multiple occasions.

They already have a relationship with the club, from whom they signed Julian Alvarez.

City are facing competition from a host of European giants with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Juventus and the two Milan clubs all said to be interested.

Echeverri has only featured four times off the bench for River Plate so he's unlikely to be in City's immediate plans.

However, he has garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting talents from his country after his performances at the recent U17 World Cup.

The attacking midfielder scored five goals at the tournament, including a hat-trick against rivals Brazil.

His displays drew comparisons with compatriot Messi, who the 17-year-old is a huge admirer of. 

'As well as River, I would like to play for Barça. I'm a big fan of Messi and I used to watch him play for Barcelona, so I've had this team inside me since I was very young.' 

River Plate put a £21.44m buy-out clause in the contract Echeverri signed in January - although that figure rises to £25.73m within 10 days of any transfer window closing.