Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their efforts to sign Nelson Semedo after Benfica are said to have lined up the right-back’s replacement, according to the Sun.
The newspaper has revealed that the Portuguese club look prepared for Semedo’s summer exit and have decided to promote 19-year-old Pedro Pereira to the position.
Pereira spent his youth career at the Portuguese club and rejoined his boyhood club in January of this year on a five-year-deal worth over £2 million.
It is said that having the young star ready will make a move easier for the Portugal international and result in a boost for Jose Mourinho after he made a bid for the full-back.
It was previously reported by Mundo Deportivo that Europa League winners Manchester United had tabled a £31million offer for Semedo.
Semedo was a key figure in the Benfica first team during the 2016/17 campaign, making 47 appearances across all competitions for the club, while displaying his versatility after he provided a valuable 12 assists and two goals.
The five-time capped Portugal international star also helped Benfica scoop the club’s fourth consecutive Portuguese League title in addition to the 2017 Taca de Portugal trophy.
If Semedo is to make the move to Old Trafford this summer, he would join former team mate Victor Lindelof who recently signed for United and the pair would partner up once again on the backline.
Mourinho will look to strengthen the Manchester giant’s defence over the transfer window after the club finished in a disappointing sixth place in the Premier League finish last season.