Manchester United are attempting to get organized already ahead of the summer transfer window.
The big deal Manchester United confirmed in the winter window was a move for left wing-back Patrick Dorgu.
But there were also whispers the Red Devils were busy trying to line up a summer deal for exciting Portuguese talent Geovany Quenda, one of 27 academy players Ruben Amorim handed debuts to at Sporting.
Quenda recently topped our list of United’s most likely summer signings, and further developments have made it a little more likely.
Ben Jacobs update on Geovany Quenda
Ruben Amorim had an agreement with Sporting not to sign any of his former players in the January transfer window, an agreement he has honoured.
This does not extend to this summer, with Manchester United moving apace to prepare a deal for Geovany Quenda.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has told Talksport that personal terms have been agreed – but there is no agreement between clubs just yet.
“The player has agreed verbally personal terms. He’s waiting to see if the clubs pre-agree, or wait until the summer.
“The price that Manchester United are looking at is 40 million Euros (£33.1m). Sporting want 60 million Euros, there’s a release clause of 100 million Euros.
“If Manchester United can get this one done south of 60 million, not only a good signing now and for the future, and a player Ruben Amorim knows really well, but potentially a deal that they can get without being forced, as they did with Rasmus Hojlund, to pay more than they ideally want to do.”
He clarified that the fee, structure of the deal and bonuses all have to be agreed with Sporting.
Jacobs added: “He is keen specifically on Manchester United,” citing a factor that should help United avoid a bidding war against other clubs.
United still have a unique appeal despite poor performances on the pitch, with many fans looking forward to this season being over already.
How Geovany Quenda would fit at Manchester United
Jacobs added on Quenda’s qualities: “Fans can be very excited, he’s quick, he’s intelligent, he’s got good movement off the ball.
“He can play deeper as a right wing-back, right-wing, there’s some goals output that will improve with age, he’s very creative and intuitive, and Ruben Amorim will value that kind of player.”
With Patrick Dorgu on the left, Quenda would be a solution for Manchester United at right wing-back.
This would questions over the futures of Diogo Dalot, but he can be a dependable alternative for either flank as cover – or sold to balance the books, the choice is open.
Noussair Mazraoui can also play at centre-back, similar to Luke Shaw if ever fit, with the Quenda deal bolstering United’s attacking and defensive options.
The wing-back positions are crucial to Ruben Amorim’s system, and Quenda is the ultimate long-term fix, at just 17.
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