Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after teens in European football, and Manchester United have been pegged as his next destination for a while now. However, a pair of liberally-spending rivals could upend their bid for the 18-year-old star in an expensive transfer battle.
According to the Daily Star, Real Madrid have set their sights on Sanches and have the money to afford the £46.8 million fee Benfica are seeking. Man United reportedly low-balled Benfica earlier in the year with a £35 million bid.
However, Manchester City are also believed to have interest. Per The Sun, incoming Man City manager Pep Guardiola is very interested in Sanches and has spoken very highly of the Portugal star, going so far as to call him “one of the best young players in Europe.”
Sanches has been one of the fastest rising stars in Portugal at just 18 years old, scoring twice in 19 appearances for the Primeira Liga giants and earning his first cap for Fernando Santos’ side
Man United are expected to part ways with several starting midfielders this summer including but not limited to veteran Michael Carrick, and could have Sanches lined up as one of their top targets.
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