Manchester United are reportedly planning to launch a double swoop for Portuguese starlets Joao Felix and Ruben Dias in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Portuguese publication Record, Premier League giants Manchester United are lining up a sensational double raid for Benfica starlets Joao Felix and Ruben Dias ahead of the next season.
Manchester United are keen on strengthening their ranks ahead of the next season, as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title. To that end, the Red Devils are plotting a double swoop for Portuguese sensations Joao Felix and Ruben Dias.
Felix, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder, switched to Benfica from rivals Porto back in 2015 and has made rapid strides during his time with the club. Enjoying his breakthrough season for the Portuguese giants, he has netted 11 goals and set up 6 more in 28 matches across all competitions.
Manchester United have scouted Felix extensively in recent weeks and have received glowing reports back from Portugal. A club source recently told The Sun: “The club went to see Felix in action and it was all positive. He is seen as a real talent. He is definitely someone who is increasingly of interest. There looks like there is going to be moves for him.”
Felix signed a new contract with Benfica in November extending his stay at the club till 2023. The Portuguese giants value their crown jewel at €105 million, with Manchester United taking a keen interest in the attacker, while Serie A champions Juventus are also plotting a move as per Record.
Manchester United have also scouted Dias, a 21-year-old centre-half, as they look to boost their defensive options in the summer. Dias came through the Benfica academy and broke into the senior team in 2017, post which he has established himself as a mainstay at the back for the club.
The defender has featured 41 times across all competitions this season, chipping in with 2 goals and 3 assists, while he has also broken into the Portuguese national team, notching up 7 appearances for the Seleccao till date. Valued at €75 million by Benfica, Dias is reportedly being monitored by Bayern Munich, PSG as well as Juventus.
Manchester United have recovered well after a poor first-half of the season and look set for a strong finish under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, despite the recent revival, the deficiencies in the squad are quite apparent and need to be addressed if they are to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool next season.
A new central defender has to be the top priority, while a creative player would also be a key addition, in order to share the playmaking burden in the final third with Paul Pogba. And given the promise and potential that Dias and Felix have shown in their fledgling careers, they have the capability to improve this Manchester United side.
It remains to be seen, however, if Manchester United are willing to splash as much as €180 million over the Portuguese duo in the summer transfer window.
