Manchester United have reportedly identified Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes as a possible signing in January.
Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made clear his desire to strengthen his midfield ranks when the transfer window reopens next month.
And Sky Sports has claimed that Fernandes, 20, is one of the players Old Trafford chiefs are looking at.
It has been claimed that the Portugal international's representatives have recently been in the UK in an attempt to broker a loan deal with a £34million option to buy.
Fernandes, who came through the ranks at the Lisbon-based giants, hasn’t featured in Benfica’s last seven games after reportedly falling out with manager Bruno Lage.
The midfield maestro has a £102m release clause but Benfica accept that potential suitors will be reluctant to trigger that fee due to his lack of game time.
And it remains to be seen whether Solskjaer can see a place for Fernandes in his squad, with the Norwegian adamant he will only sign players if they are the right fit for the club.
United are also still keeping tabs on Birmingham’s 16-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham made his Football League debut in August and scored the winner in his first home appearance for Birmingham, against Stoke City.
United’s assistant manager Mike Phelan is the latest to make an inquiry about the midfielder, according to The Sun .
Phelan watched the starlet in action against West Brom earlier this month and has scouted him again as United keep a close eye in his development.
However Championship club Birmingham are in no mood to sell and are desperate to keep hold of their prized asset.
Bellingham's inspiring form in the second tier has led to a call up to England's U17s side, while Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping tabs on his development.
