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Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are closely monitoring Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras, according to O Jogo.

The 21-year-old spent four years with the Red Devils before joining the Eagles earlier this year. Benfica initially took him on a loan deal in January and made his stay permanent by exercising their €6m purchase option.

Carreras, who was mainly used as a substitute at Benfica last season, has cemented his place this season. He’s made nine appearances in all competitions, and that includes seven starts.

The left-back’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed. It’s claimed Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all sent scouts to take a closer look at him.

Erik ten Hag has used Diogo Dalot on the left side of the defence due to the absences of both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. The latter two have struggled with injuries, resulting in the Premier League side exploring options elsewhere.

This is where the Spain U21 international fits in.

The report points out Manchester United have a buyback clause and can activate it to beat Real Madrid and Barcelona in any race to sign Álvaro Carreras.

At this stage, it all feels very early and part of an effort to hype the player’s recent good form. Benfica appear to working to build transfer hype ahead of the summer, with Orkun Kökçü being linked with Liverpool today.