Sports Mole looks at three Portugal stars Manchester United could look to bring to Old Trafford this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains Manchester United‘s most famous Portuguese player, with the forward representing the 20-time English champions 346 times during his outstanding career.
Nani is another player from Portugal to have enjoyed huge success at Old Trafford, while Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot currently represent the 20-time English champions.
The Red Devils could sign another Portuguese star this summer, with three players from the country’s Euro 2024 squad believed to be targets for the English giants, and here Sports Mole takes a closer look at the trio ahead of the opening of the transfer market.
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Neves is believed to be Man United’s leading midfield target this summer, with the 19-year-old enjoying an outstanding 2023-24 campaign for Benfica, making 55 appearances in all competitions.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has insisted that the teenager has the quality to represent a team of Man United’s standing, while Manchester City are also said to be keen on his signature.
A deal this summer will be complicated, though, as Benfica have Neves on a contract until June 2028, with the agreement including a release clause of €120m (£101.9m).
Man United will be confident of negotiating that price down, but they might have to break their transfer record in order to sign the Portugal international this summer.
Neves will be one to watch at the European Championship, and it will be fascinating to see whether the youngster is on the move ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
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Man United will sign at least one centre-back this summer, as Raphael Varane‘s exit has already been confirmed, while Victor Lindelof could also depart ahead of next season.
Silva is regarded as one of the best young defenders in world football, and the Red Devils are said to have a long-term interest in his services.
Benfica are also in a strong position when it comes to the 20-year-old’s future, though, as his release clause stands at €100m (£85m).
The defender made 50 appearances for his Portuguese club during the 2023-24 campaign, and he has now represented the Eagles on 94 occasions, scoring seven goals in the process.
Benfica are not thought to be willing to even discuss a transfer unless his buy-out fee is met, which makes a deal complicated this summer, but it is certainly not impossible.
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Inacio is also said to be admired by Man United, and he would be a more affordable option than Silva, with his release clause standing at €60m (£51m).
The 22-year-old made 49 appearances for Sporting during the 2023-24 campaign, and he has now represented his current side on 171 occasions since breaking into the first team.
The centre-back has eight Portuguese caps to his name, and he is expected to play a role at Euro 2024, where strong performances could see the interest in his services increase.
Inacio is a player with Champions League experience, representing his current side on 13 occasions in the competition, while he has impressively scored 15 goals and registered nine assists from central defence.
Liverpool are also believed to be keen on the defender, while his club teammate Ousmane Diomande is another to be linked with a switch to the Premier League this summer.
