Manchester United are said to be keeping a close eye on a young defensive midfielder.
90min reported that United are part of a cohort of top clubs seeking Benfica’s Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Fernández joined the Portuguese team in July for €10m plus a further €8m in potential add-ons. Although United, Manchester City and Newcastle United had all had some interest in the 21-year-old prior to his signing, Wolverhampton Wanderers were the Premier League side most determined to negotiate a transfer.
Wolves eventually settled on Sporting CP’s Matheus Nunes.
Following Fernandez’s seamless transition to European football and his stellar performances at the heart of the Benfica team, Scott Saunders and Graeme Bailey say United scouts are keeping their watch.
Benfica has yet to lose a match in the National or Champions League. Fernandez has already appeared in 21 matches in all competitions for the Portuguese giants.
He was awarded Primeira Liga Midfielder of the Month almost immediately after signing for his efforts in August.
As a result of his age and his high caliber instant displays in Europe, many top clubs will now be monitoring Fernandez’s situation. The 90min report therefore does not appear to be breaking news.
United may have already missed the chance to snap up a high-potential defensive midfielder cheaply with minimal stress.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with the player recently. Furthermore, reports have been suggesting that Liverpool and Chelsea will join United in their restart of the search for Frenkie de Jong.
All three clubs had also eyed a move for Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. It now seems more likely that the Englishman will join Real Madrid.
Although United signed the impeccable number six Casemiro for an initial £60m just three months ago, a quick move for the young Fernandez, while his price tag would still be somewhat moderate to overshadow the great Brazilian midfielder, may be attractive to Erik ten Hag.
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