Man Utd in four-way PL race to sign UCL wonderkid, preparing to make £33m bid - report
Manchester United are set to face competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool in the pursuit of Portuguese wonderkid Geovany Quenda, according to O Jogo (page 7).
The 17-year-old was handed his senior debut at Sporting CP by manager Ruben Amorim this season. He has impressed from the right wing-back position, making three goal contributions.
His form and immense potential has grabbed the attention of United, but they are not alone with Arsenal, City and Liverpool also monitoring his progress in the first half of the campaign.
Quenda has a release clause worth £83 million in his contract, but he could be signed for a lesser fee.
United could have upper hand in Quenda pursuit due to Amorim
Quenda has quickly established himself as one of the best young forwards in European football.
The Portugal Under-21 international is a right winger by trade, but he is also comfortable operating from the right wing-back role. Sporting CP have played with three at the back for some time.
With Amorim having moved to United, Quenda could be tempted by a reunion. The 39-year-old believes the youngster has the talent to succeed in the Premier League under his guidance.
United are prepared to part ways with Antony to accommodate his arrival and it has already been claimed that they could make an opening bid of around £33m to secure an early agreement.
Premier League teams are not allowed to register Under 18 foreign players due to Brexit rules. As a result, Quenda won’t be permitted to play for an English club until next summer. He turns 18 on April 30.
Amorim’s presence could give United an upper hand over their fierce league rivals, but a transfer could ultimately depend on whether they can meet the demands of the Portuguese champions.
Sporting CP are well aware of the potential of Quenda. The youngster has superb dribbling skills, can provide key passes and works hard defensively. He has the traits to become an elite winger or wing-back.
They could hold out for a much higher fee than what United propose to pay for the wonderkid.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com