Bentancur 'proud' of Real Madrid link; admires Manchester United

Boca Juniors midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur admitted he's honoured to be coveted by Real Madrid, but his preferred club in Europe is Manchester United.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the finest young talents in South America - with Juventus also casting admiring glances on the Uruguayan - and is apparently available for a fee not exceeding €15 million.

Bentancur dismissed suggestions that a move to the Spanish capital is close.

"I found out through my agent and the press and obviously I'm greatly honoured and proud that Real Madrid are interested in me," he said.

"However, to tell the truth, I've got to make it clear that there has been no formal offer from Spain. Nothing has been finalised."

Bentancur insists he's committed to Boca Juniors, where he's under contract for another two years, though he conceded he's a fan of English football.

"Ever since I was a kid, the Premier League and Manchester United have most caught my eye."

Should Real Madrid beat off competition and sign the teenager, Bentancur would follow a legion of promising youngsters at the Bernabeu as the club stockpiles talent ahead of its transfer ban. Martin Odegaard, Lucas Silva, Marco Asensio, Jesus Vallejo, and Federico Valverde are already on Los Blancos' books.

A route straight into the first team wouldn't be assured, but Bentancur is open to a stint in Madrid's Castilla B side should a transfer materialise.

"I don't know if that'll happen because, like I said, my duty is to Boca. But no, that wouldn't be a problem," he added.