Manchester United keen on £45m deal for Sporting Lisbon ace after missing out on Renato Sanches

Manchester United are reportedly edging closer towards sealing a whopping £45m deal to sign Portugal international Joao Mario this summer, according to the Daily Star (via the Express).

The 13-time Premier League champions, who lost 3-2 away to West Ham United in the English top-flight on Wednesday night in the Boleyn Ground’s final competitive fixture, are ready to turn to the Sporting Lisbon star after missing out on Benfica starlet Renato Sanches to FC Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, who has eight international caps for his country and is set to star for Portugal at Euro 2016 later this year, has scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions for the Liga NOS outfit this season.

Mario, who has a £45m release clause in his current deal with Sporting, has reportedly already held meetings with United officials over completing a summer switch to Old Trafford.

The report also suggests that the Red Devils are ready to hand the right winger a long-term contract worth £140,000-a-week.