Manchester United have reportedly registered their interest in 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder Joao Gomes from SL Benfica.
The teenager has been exceptional for the Portuguese side and made 24 appearances for the giants last season and he is already attracting interest.
According to an exclusive from The Sun, United have informed Benfica of their interest in the midfielder, although, unsurprisingly, may well face competition from Chelsea.
According to the report, United and Benfica have already held informal discussions about signing the midfielder.
‘Next Bruno Fernandes’
The midfielder has already won the hearts of Benfica’s faithful as his one goal for the club at senior level to date was an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time to rescue a point in last season’s game against Sporting Lisbon.
The midfielder has been nicknamed ‘Bruno Fernandes 2.0′ according to the report and the midfielder would be a superb addition to the United midfield.
Erik ten Hag’s side will have to wait another year before they make their move.
According to the report, Benfica would rather sell the midfielder next summer as opposed to selling him this summer.
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The midfielder reportedly dreams of moving to the Premier League, so this may well be a big move that United could complete in the next 12 months.
Chelsea’s interest
Chelsea, who have seemingly been interested in every player known to man, are also interested in the 18-year-old midfielder.
Benfica, however, are unwilling to sell the midfielder to Chelsea. This is due to the bitter taste left in the mouth of the Benfica hierarchy following the sale of Enzo Fernandez to the Blues.
The midfielder, who excels in progressive passes, pass completion rate, and tackling according to FBREF, may well be the type of player United needs in the middle of the park, although there won’t be a shortage of interested clubs in the teenager next summer.