Sporting Lisbon are reportedly expecting Manchester United to make an attempt to sign Geovany Quenda next year, with the Green and Whites facing a huge battle to keep hold of the in-demand youngster.
The 17-year-old has made the breakthrough into the Sporting first team this season, representing the Lisbon giants on 18 occasions, scoring twice and registering two assists in the process.
Quenda came through the Sporting academy as an attacker, but he has been developed into a right-sided wing-back by Ruben Amorim, who has left the Portuguese giants to take charge of Man United.
The Portuguese became Sporting's youngest-ever goalscorer in the league when he found the back of the net against Famalicao at the end of October, surpassing the record previously held by Simao Sabrosa.
Quenda has also excelled in the Champions League this season, putting in an eye-catching performance during his side's standout 4-1 success over Manchester City in the competition.
© Imago
Sporting 'expecting Man United bid for Quenda'
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the youngster's future in recent weeks, with Arsenal and Newcastle United also thought to be determined to bring him to the Premier League.
However, the strongest interest is believed to be coming from Man United, with the Amorim link seemingly placing the Red Devils in a strong position when it comes to a possible deal.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Sporting are fully expecting the 20-time English champions to make a move for Quenda next year.
It was recently claimed that Man United are hopeful are agreeing a deal in January, but the Premier League club would be prepared to let Quenda spend the rest of the campaign with the Lisbon giants.
© Imago
How much would Quenda cost?
Quenda's release clause is set at €100m (£83m), while Sporting have him on a contract until June 2027, so the club are in a strong position when it comes to any potential negotiations.
The Lisbon outfit may well point to the teenager's buy-out fee when it comes to transfer discussions, but there is expected to be some room for manoeuvre.
It has been suggested that Man United could make an opening offer in the region of €40m (£33.3m), although that is not expected to be close to enough to convince Sporting to let him leave.
Matt Law
