Manchester United face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez next summer, according to The Record (today’s edition, page 15).
The Argentine joined the Portuguese outfit from River Plate for just €10 million last summer and he has since produced a number of stand-out performances in all competitions.
Fernandez has registered eight goal contributions from 24 appearances this season. This has included assists against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus in the Champions League.
It has already been reported that United are looking to sign the 21-year-old and Record now claim that Barcelona have joined the race to prise away the youngster next summer.
Benfica currently have no plans of losing their prized asset in January as they are top of the Primeira Liga with an eight-point lead. They are also into the last 16 of the Champions League.
Man Utd should beat Barcelona to Fernandez’s services
United bolstered their midfield department in the summer with the experienced duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. The pair are now undisputed starters in the centre of the park.
Despite their success, manager Erik ten Hag may want another young midfielder in the ranks. With Fred likely to leave next summer, United should look into a deal for Fernandez.
The Argentine is an all-action midfielder, who can play in both the defensive and central roles.
Aside from his goal involvements, the youngster has completed over 90 per cent of his passes for Benfica this campaign while winning over two tackles and one interception per game.
He has already shown that he can handle the best after superb displays against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. United should make a serious approach to land him next summer.
It is unlikely that Benfica will hold out for his €120 million release clause. In our opinion, the Lisbon outfit could settle for a fee between €60-70 million for the highly-rated midfielder.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
