BENFICA are interested in signing out of favour Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira, according to reports.
The Brazilian was a regular in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield in the first half of the 2019-20 campaign, but had a limited role by the end of the season.
Pereira last started a Premier League match on February 1Credit: AP:Associated Press
The emergence of Fred and Scott McTominay, coupled with Nemanja Matic’s renaissance and Bruno Fernandes’ January arrival saw Pereira’s game time become limited.
And Paul Pogba’s return from injury post-lockdown made things even more difficult.
So much so, that ESPN claim that he could be on his way to Benfica, who are interested in bolstering their squad with the 24-year-old.
Solskjaer still likes Pereira and would like to keep him around at Old Trafford.
But he will not give him any assurances over his playing time.
Former loan club Valencia are also monitoring Pereira’s situation, but given their dire financial situation are unlikely to be able to make a move.
Pereira still has three years remaining on his contract signed last summer, but is understood to want regular first-team football.
He made 40 appearances for the Red Devils in the 2019-20 campaign, but last started a Premier League match on February 1.
Overall, the academy graduate has played 75 times for United, scoring four goals.
The Red Devils are also welcoming offers for Phil Jones – as well as returning loan stars Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and backup goalkeeper Joel Pereira.
Barcelona are understood to be interested in Diogo Dalot, although Solskjaer would rather keep the Portuguese full-back around as competition.
Another fringe player the Norwegian would like to keep is Jesse Lingard, although he is reluctant to give the England international any assurances over his playing time either.
As for Old Trafford incomings, Jadon Sancho remains their top target, although having missed Dortmund’s August 10 deadline, their chances have been rubbished by the German club’s hierarchy.
Diogo Dalot has drawn interest from BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
United have also been linked with Jack Grealish, while Bournemouth’s David Brooks has emerged as an alternative.
David Brooks transfer will cost £40million as Solskjaer identifies Jadon Sancho alternative
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
