Marcelo Bielsa is busy working with Victor Orta on strengthening the wings of the United first-team with deals for Jack Harrison and Helder Costa, but a star in the making could join the Premier League duo in West Yorkshire next season.
South American outlet Ecuavisa understand Ecuador’s Under 20 international Alexander Alvarado caught the eye of one of our scouts observing the U20 World Cup on Tuesday, as they crashed out of the tournament in the Semi-Finals.
Despite tasting defeat to South Korea, it’s claimed the future star impressed with his attacking and defensive contribution, which has been key to the Ecuadorian game, and his display will now be filed back to those at Elland Road for their consideration.
During the tournament, Alvarado featured in every minute of Ecuador’s six fixtures, in which he scored the equaliser against Uruguay in the Round of 16 from the penalty spot.
It would be unlikely that a move would immediately benefit Bielsa, though, even if Ecuavisa suggest his connections to the South American game could help us land the left-winger’s signature.
Alvarado currently plays in Ecuador’s top-flight the LigaPro Serie A for SD Aucas, having joined the Orientales from Gualaceo SC in January 2018.
It is the highest domestic tier the 20-year-old has so far competed in, and one where he has made 51 appearances (scoring three goals and assisting four) to date, but at 5 ft 4, would likely struggle to cope with the physicality of the English game at first.
Not to mention the strict work permit regulations that would make it a challenge for Alvarado to feature for the Whites without first becoming a regular for his country’s senior side.