Exclusive: Man United and Liverpool eye new Angel di Maria with five other Prem clubs in race

A host of Premier League clubs are expressing their interest in the potential new Angel di Maria with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United all watching Velez Sarsfield starlet Thiago Fernandez.

• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

The original Angel di Maria may have endured a miserable spell in English football – the Argentine icon lasted only one season at Old Trafford – but that has not put Manchester United and co off pursuing a player who could yet follow in his footsteps.

Thiago Fernandez’s sparkling performances with Velez Sarsfield have drawn comparisons with the former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus winger.

Albeit a right footer who likes to cut in from the left – in stark contrast to Di Maria – Fernandez has caught the eye of Man United, Tottenham, Liverpool and a Chelsea side who have delved deep into the South American market of late.

TBR understands that Aston Villa, Brentford, and perennial talentspotters Brighton and Hove Albion are also watching closely.

Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea in Thiago Fernandez race

Still only 20 years of age, Fernandez made his breakthrough at Velez Sarsfield in 2023.

He has rapidly blossomed into one of the club’s key performers, however, scoring five goals and setting up eight more in 30 games during the current campaign.

A tall yet elegant place who carries the ball smoothly and packs a punch from range – he has been known to score the odd free-kick – Fernandez is likely to make the switch to Europe in the near future.

TBR has been told that England is his most likely destination.

Scouts familiar with Fernandez’s game have also drawn comparisons between him and a young Di Maria, with Chelsea now considering whether to add the Argentine to their growing array of South American talent.

The Blues have invested heavily in the likes of Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez and Deivid Washington in the Clearlake era. Chelsea reportedly want San Lorenzo starlet Agustin Giay now too.

Manchester United are looking to move into the cross-Atlantic market themselves under Ineos, while Brighton have enjoyed real success with Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and co.

Liverpool eye Fernandez and Rodrygo despite star-studded frontline

TBR understands that the Anfield giants are also in the mix, despite the fact Arne Slot boasts a frontline that makes Liverpool greater challengers than Arsenal, in the view of Man United legend Paul Scholes.

Liverpool remain on the trail of Real Madrid ace Rodrygo Goes too, TBR reported earlier this week.

Rodrgo has been on their radar since he was a 16-year-old turning heads at Santos. Jurgen Klopp was a big admirer – as confirmed by the Brazil international’s agent – but Rodrygo would instead sign a contract at the Brazilian outfit before sealing a £39 million move to the reigning European champions.

Fernandez, meanwhile, has just over a year remaining on a contract which is due to expire in December 2025.

That is not to say it will be easy to lure him away from Velez Sarsfield, however, with Fernandez indebted to the club who gave him his chance in the professional game.

“I feel very happy,” he told reporters shortly after signing that deal. “Velez is the club that gave me everything from day one. This signing [of the contract], renewing with the club makes me very happy.”