Manchester United joined by Europe’s elite in race to sign Benfica’s £47m-rated gem

Manchester United face stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona in a bid to land Portugal international Renato Sanches, according to The Telegraph.

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 in their last outing, have been heavily linked with a future move for Benfica’s highly-rated midfielder.

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.

However United’s pursuit of the central midfielder is far from simple as a whole host of European clubs have now also registered an interest in signing Sanches, with Benfica wanting at least £47m for his services, with £30m upfront.