MANCHESTER UNITED scouted Benfica’s Nelson Semedo again this week as they continue to decide whether to launch a raid to bring him to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old defender was in action for his side against Napoli on Tuesday.
Despite being unable to stop the Portuguese giants slipping to a 2-1 defeat against the Serie A outfit, talent spotters will still have been impressed with his performance.
Semedo has emerged as one of the best young full-backs in Europe since his breakthrough with Benfica.
And according to Diario de Noticias, his performances have caught the attention of Jose Mourinho, who has instructed his trusted lieutenants to cast their eye over him.
related stories
The Lisbon-born defender still has four years left to run on his contract after this season.
And it is also claimed that his current deal includes a minimum fee release clause of £50million.
Neither of those factors seems to be deterring Mourinho in his pursuit.
The United chief is already plotting a summer swoop for Semedo as he begins plans to rebuild his leaky defence.
He will be boosted by reports that Benfica will not be looking to hold out for the release clause amount.
And it is also claimed that they would be willing to listen to offers from Old Trafford chiefs at theend of the season.
Semedo was promoted from Benfica’s B team last year and, although he spent a lengthy spell on the sidleines with a knee injury, he has appeared 13 times for the senior outfit in their domestic league.
He has also been capped by Portugal, playing the full 90 minutes of the Euro 2016 qualifier against Serbia in October 2015, his only appearance to date.
Leave a comment