Benfica’s £47.4m-rated gem fuels speculation of Manchester United move via Instagram

Manchester United could be edging closer towards announcing the signing of Portugal international Renato Sanches, according to the Daily Star.

The 13-time Premier League champions who currently sit sixth in the English top-flight standings, despite defeating arch rivals Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday, have been consistently linked with a move for the highly-rated Benfica midfielder this summer.

The 18-year-old, who made his senior international debut against Bulgaria earlier this week, has scored six goals and provided one assist in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Liga NOS outfit so far this season.

Sanches; who has been likened to Brazil legend Ronaldinho, has followed the Red Devils’ official account on Instagram, fuelling more intense speculation about a possible move to Old Trafford in the short-term future.

The report suggests that Benfica want £31.6m up front for Sanches’ services this summer, with a further £15.8m in add-ons, seeing a potential deal reach a staggering £47.4m.