Manchester United, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid fighting over £46m deal for Benfica’s 18-year-old starlet

Manchester United are set to compete with fellow Europe giants Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich in a bid to sign Portugal international Renato Sanches this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Premier League side, who currently sit sixth in the English top-flight standings, despite defeating arch rivals Manchester City 1-0 in their most recent outing, have been monitoring Benfica’s highly-rated midfielder throughout the course of this campaign.

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

Sanches, who broke into Benfica’s first-team frame last October, is highly regarded as Portugal’s brightest star since Cristiano Ronaldo’s emergence.

Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils sent scouts to watch Sanches in action during his second taste of international duty with Portugal against Belgium on Tuesday, with the report suggesting that the central midfielder could cost up to £50m.

It is believed that Benfica would be willing to sell for £31m up front, with £15m in add-ons.