Manchester United decline chance to rival Man City in race to sign River Plate forward Julian Alvarez

Manchester United have passed up the chance to rival Manchester City in the race to sign River Plate forward Julian Alvarez, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure for River Plate, scoring 20 goals in 35 Argentine Primera Division appearances last year which helped the club win the title.

The Argentina international has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.

According to The Athletic, Manchester City are confident of completing a deal for Alvarez before the end of the January transfer window as talks are well under way.

The forward is available for a reasonable fee due to a €25 million (£20.9m) clause in his contract with River Plate.

The Times reports that Manchester United were also offered the chance to sign Alvarez but have declined the opportunity, clearing the way for City to complete their move.

The report also claims that City remain intent on signing Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window and that deal will not have an impact on their push to sign Alvarez this month.

Last week, Haaland claimed that Dortmund are starting to pressure him into making a decision about his future.

‘They have started to put a lot of pressure on me and I have to accept that,’ said the striker.

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‘I have chosen not to say anything out of respect for the club and the fans.

‘But now that a lot of pressure is coming from the club, so it is the time to get things started. It means things