Manchester United are now considering the possibility of activating the release clause of central midfielder Vitinha.
This is what TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has suggested when speaking live on air about the latest transfer news across the English top flight.
The 22-year-old midfielder is currently playing his football over in Portugal with FC Porto after his time on loan with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It is now believed the Porto man is set to leave the Portuguese champions this summer with a reported release clause worth €40m (£34m).
And amid links to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, Crook believes there is the chance Erik ten Hag’s side look to snap up Vitinha this summer.
He said: “Another name in the frame is that of the Porto midfielder Vitinha. Strong sources in Portugal suggesting Manchester United [are] very keen on this player. He has a £34m release clause in his contract.
“I’m told Manchester United are considering activating that. He’s certainly a target. He had a loan spell, Vitinha, at Wolves a couple of seasons ago – didn’t pull up too many trees, but he did score a wondergoal in the FA Cup against Chorley Town.”
TIF Thoughts on Crook’s comments…
Vitinha did play a big role in Porto’s title-winning campaign last season, making 30 appearances in the Portuguese flight – with 27 of those from the starting XI (via Transfermarkt).
Would Vitinha be a good addition for Ten Hag?
Yes
No
However, there may certainly be some question marks from some United fans over the 22-year-old, who was only able to create one assist in his 19 appearances for Wolves in the 2020/21 campaign.
So with that in mind, we do wonder whether he is an alternative to the likes of De Jong this summer – but with the departure of Nemanja Matic, it could well be a case of Ten Hag adding depth to his squad.