Manchester United need to progress £35m ‘agreement in principle’, meetings held in Manchester

 

In February it was reported in Portugal that Manchester United have a £35m ‘agreement in principle’ to sign Nelson Semedo from Benfica in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United supporters will be well used to claims of agreed deals to buy Benfica players, it seems to happen before every window. What made this one a little different is it was being reported by Notícias ao Minuto, who are less sensationalist and more accurate than much of the Portuguese sport media.

Nevertheless, their information likely came from the Benfica end and the Lisbon club seem to often convince themselves Manchester United are on the verge of sending a big pile of money.

Should the claims be true Jose Mourinho may need to get a move on and try and get something a little more concrete, because interest in Semedo is increasing. Bayern Munich have recently been pulled into the equation, and O Jogo cover claims on Saturday that Barcelona and Inter Milan are also keen.

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira is said to have held meetings in Manchester, something repeatedly claimed, and a sale in the summer looks increasingly likely.

Mourinho has been happy with Antonio Valencia at right back but whilst the 31 year old Ecuadorian has performed well, it would be no surprise if Manchester United add another to the position.