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Manchester United 'crazy' about signing Enzo Fernandez, will have to fend off three European giants - report
Manchester United lead the race to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez but Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona are close behind, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.
Erik ten Hag will be formulating a list of players for Manchester United to chase in January and next summer, and it seems 21-year-old midfielder Fernandez is towards the top of his list.
The Argentinian has scored three and assisted four times for Benfica during their impressive start to the season, and Fernandez has clearly caught the attention of European powerhouses in the process.
Portuguese outlet Record state that the Red Devils are “crazy” about signing Fernandez and have sent scouts to watch him at Benfica.
But the report also insists that a move in January is unlikely and that Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool are all keeping a keen eye on Fernandez’s progress.
If a move was to happen, United will hope to avoid paying the full £100million release clause attached to Fernandez’s contract. [Daily Mail]
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Another success from Portugal?
Manchester United have a good success rate of signings arriving from Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes both arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon, and it seems the club’s scouts have returned once again.
It’s too early to suggest that Fernandez can follow a similar path to Fernandes or Ronaldo, but the 21-year-old has definitely shown glimpses of magic this season at Benfica.
They currently sit top of the Primeira Liga by eight points and pipped PSG to the top of Group H in the Champions League with an unbeaten record in the competition.
Benfica will struggle to hold on to such a talented squad when huge European clubs come calling, and Fernandez may be the first to be poached away from the club.
Ten Hag’s summer signings have all had a huge impact on the team this season and so the Dutchman will be pleading with the board for further investment as he continues to try and lead United back to where they belong.
In other Manchester United news, Journalist is not sold on the idea of Jeremie Frimpong to Manchester United