According to reports from O Jogo, Manchester United failed in a late €40million swoop for Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches during the January transfer window.
The 18-year-old has registered just 13 league outings for the Primeira Liga outfit, scoring twice, but is already being compared to Brazilian great Ronaldinho and attracting heavy interest from two of the biggest clubs in England.
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Manchester United were linked with the Portugal U19 in early January whilst Arsenal were tipped to launch a bid on deadline day, following a scouting mission conducted by former star and fellow Portuguese Luis Boa Morte.
But it appears neither club will be signing the teenage talent, who boasts eight goals and 40 caps for his country at junior level, anytime soon unless they’re prepared to part with a considerable sum of money.
According to Portuguese publication O Jogo, Benfica rejected a €40million offer from the Red Devils – an initial €30million plus €10million in bonuses – as the winter transfer window drew to a close.
The Express, however, claim United are already preparing a £45million swoop for the summer window.