La Liga champions Barcelona are keeping a close watch on Manchester United and Manchester City target Alex Grimaldo.
According to a report in Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona are monitoring fullback Alejandro Grimaldo’s situation at Benfica. The young Spaniard has been impressive for Rui Vitoria’s side this season and is one of most sought after players in Europe.
However, the Blaugrana are not keeping an eye on the youngster with a view to purchase him. The report states that should Grimaldo be sold by the Portuguese champions, the Catalan giants will be entitled to a percentage of the transfer fee.
Grimaldo signed for Benfica in December 2015 for a mere €1.5 million, as his contract was set to expire the following month. Only a year later, he is now a regular for Benfica and has been instrumental in helping them to the top of the table.
He has made 13 appearances this campaign, missing out on more starts due to injury. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite and he is rumoured to be a target of Serie A Champions Juventus and Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City.
Last year, it was reported that the Jose Mourinho has sent one of his trusted associates to try and open talks for the 21-year-old and monitor his progress, whilst Pep Guardiola was reported to have personally gone to Benfica to check Grimaldo in action and was pleased with what he saw.
Manchester City were reportedly willing to offer a massive €45 million in order to prise him away from the Estadio da Luz, but that doesn’t seem to have progressed further. Grimaldo is said to have a €60 million release clause, so wherever he ends up in January or the following summer transfer window, Barcelona’s sell-on clause entitles them to a hefty sum.
