Man Utd and Aston Villa closely monitor 18-year-old Portugal starlet

Manchester United are reportedly mulling over whether to make a January move for Portugal youth international Renato Sanches.

The 13-time Premier League champions, who kicked off their New Year with a 2-1 victory over Swansea City last weekend, have been spotted scouting the Benfica midfielder this month.

The 18-year-old, who is a Portugal Under-19 international, has scored six goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese giants this season.

Sanches, who only made his first-team debut for the Liga NOS outfit back in October, was also thought to be watched by officials from Aston Villa and Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.