Man Utd expected to watch £42m Spanish star in action, considering transfer deal for him - report
Manchester United have had a tough Premier League campaign, and manager Ruben Amorim appears keen to bolster his squad during the winter transfer window.
A left wing-back is the priority for the Portuguese, but United are yet to find an agreement for anyone.
Talks have been held with Lecce for Patrick Dorgu, but their latest offer of £25.3 million has been turned down. Lecce want at least £33.6 million to sanction his departure.
We recently covered an opinion that United should turn their attention to Alvaro Fernandez, and Record claim the club have sent an official to watch the Benfica star against Casa Pia today.
United have been monitoring the defender’s progress since his permanent move from Old Trafford last summer. They are considering the possibility of triggering his buy-back clause.
Fernandez has a release clause worth £42m, valid for the summer, but the Red Devils can re-sign him on the cheap. They have the option to buy him back for £17m this winter.
Fernandez would be a better choice than Dorgu
The 21-year-old signed for Benfica on a short-term loan last winter before joining them on a permanent deal for £5m. Fernandez has become a key player since Bruno Lage became manager in September.
The left-back has registered three goals and four assists this campaign. He has also excelled with his forward passing. He averages 26 passes in the opposition half per league appearance.
The once Real Madrid graduate has won 2.1 tackles and 4.8 duels per game with 1.9 clearances with 5.6 recoveries. In our view, he would be a better fit than Dorgu due to his experience in England.
Fernandez never got the chance to play Premier League football or any competitive game for United, but he had a good stint in the Championship with Preston North End where he played as a left wing-back.
The youngster is familiar to the intensity and physical demands of English football. With a low price of £17m, he would represent a bargain acquisition compared to Dorgu at around £33.6m.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .