Manchester United are hoping to sign Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes in January, according to reports. The 20-year-old has fallen out with head coach Bruno Lage and not featured since November.
Sky Sports claim United are working on signing the youngster on an initial six-month loan deal with a £34million option to buy in the summer.
Fernandes is said to have a gigantic £102m release clause in his current contract but Benfica may be willing to let him go on the cheap to ease the off-field issues.
He was tentatively linked with Tottenham this summer and his representatives also flew to the UK on that occasion.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is out to bolster his attacking ranks when the transfer window reopens later this week.
Ed Woodward is expected to give the Norwegian a war chest to try and turn their fortunes around.
However, the Red Devils were dealt a blow when they missed out on Red Bull Salzburg striker Erling Braut Haaland, who signed for Borussia Dortmund yesterday.
Solskjaer had met with the 19-year-old and was hoping to convince him to move to the Premier League.
There are a host of other names on Solskjaer’s wishlist such as Jadon Sancho, Ousmane Dembele, Sean Longstaff and Declan Rice.
But Fernandes is now also a target of Old Trafford officials after impressing for the Portuguese league leaders.
Who is Man Utd transfer target Gedson Fernandes?
-He’s 20 years old and plays, for the most part, on the right wing. He’s also capable of playing in the heart of midfield
-He was born on African island Sao Tome and Principe but has Portuguese citizenship
-He’s made five appearances for Portugal Under-21s, scoring once
-He’s yet to register a goal or assist from six Primeira Liga matches this season
