Home » Manchester United follow up interest in €45 million Portuguese midfielder

Manchester United follow up interest in €45 million Portuguese midfielder

by Sam Peoples

Manchester United representatives were reportedly in attendance at Sporting Lisbon’s 3-2 victory over Maritomo on Saturday evening to take a look at William Carvalho, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

They claim this is the second time in a week United were scouting the Portuguese youngster who has only broke into the Sporting first team this season following a loan spell in Belgium.

Carvalho, a 21-year-old midfielder, has earned a starting spot in a Lisbon team currently just three points behind league leaders Porto but remains one of the lowest paid players in the squad, leading to speculation that he will be offered a new deal at the end of the season despite only signing one last summer.

He made almost 50 appearances for Cercle Brugge last season and has represented Portugal at every youth level since the since the Under-17s and a move to United would increase his chances of earning a call-up to the senior national team as soon as possible.

At the moment, his contract that expires in 2018 holds a €45m buyout clause but with Sporting suffering from financial difficulties, United could potentially prise him away for a lower fee.

A Bola also claims that United scouts were at the Benfica game on Friday night looking at potential targets ahead of the January transfer window. Sir Alex’s interest in Benfica defender Garay was well documented in Portugal but the move fell apart due to Moyes’ appointment as manager.

The rumours follow last weeks reports that Moyes was keen on another defender playing in the Portuguese league after Porto’s Eliaquim Mangala was linked with a move to Old Trafford that could see Anderson moving the other way.

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