Report: Manchester United reach ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to sign £47.4million star
By North-west correspondent Alex Stevens
Manchester United have reached a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to sign Benfica sensation Renato Sanches, according to reports.
The 18-year-old midfielder has burst onto the scene this season, delivering a number of impressive performances for the Portugese club.
Portuguese daily Record report that there is a verbal agreement between United and Benfica for Sanches to move to Old Trafford in the summer
Benfica are said to be demanding an initial payment of £31.5million supplemented by £15.9million in add ons, in a deal worth a total £47.4million.
The fee has not been agreed as United work on negotiating a less expensive transfer fee for the teenager, who signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract in December that ties him to Benfica until 2021.
Super-agent Mendes, whose clients include Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, told Portugese newspaper O Jogo earlier this month that United tabled a £30.8million bid in January for Sanches, who has been dubbed the ‘next Ronaldinho’.
Sanches currently has a £60.9m release clause in his contract, but it’s likely that United will be able to do business for less than that come the summer.
The teenager has established a solid reputation in Portugal, hitting two goals in his 16 league matches this season and also appearing in three Champions League fixtures.