Insider Report – United Ready to Meet £61.4m Release Clause for Versatile Box-to-box Midfielder After Scouting the Star for Months

Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches, having been overwhelmed by the young midfielder on numerous scouting trips.

Although there have been several mix ups about the transfer rumors surrounding Sanches and Manchester United, here at By Far The Greatest Team, we are made to understand (from our investigations) that all the confusing headlines were as a result of some misinformation, and the fact is that Sanches could possibly join the Red Devils in the summer.

According to our findings, United scouts were present to watch the young midfielder play against Estoril on Saturday as Benefica won 2-1. United are believed to have scouted the 18-year-old on a several occasions this season, and have received glowing reports on both his progress and potential.

Sanches has developed to be one of the highly valued players in Portuguese football after breaking into Benfica first team this term and his impressive performance has led to interest from a good number of top clubs around Europe.

United are reportedly the favorites to sign Sanches ahead of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Swansea City as manager Louis Van Gaal is interested in the youngster.
At a release clause of £58.8 million with a contract running until 2020, Benfica still believe they are at a good position if any club comes calling. Such an overestimated fee will certainly be a sticking point for United, especially as Sanches is so young. But, with his great potential, United are believed to be planning for the future and are ready to seal a major deal that will bring the youngster to Old Trafford.

Sanches has scored twice in the Primeira Liga in 11 games this term and made two starts during Benfica’s prosperous group campaign in the Champions League.

According to recent reports, Benfica has reached an agreement to increase the 18-year-old’s release clause to £61.4 million in order to stave off the interest from other clubs and as part of a recent contract extension.
But this has not hindered United from pursuing the midfielder and it has been speculated that the Old Trafford outfit are almost agreeing on a deal to sign Sanches during the upcoming summer.

Sanches is a versatile player who can play in front of the back four, as a playmaker and a winger as well as a box-to-box midfielder.