Manchester United have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The 21-year-old was linked with a potential switch to Old Trafford over the summer, but Benfica won the race for his signature, signing the Argentine from River Plate for around £12m.
Fernandez has since established himself as a key player for the Portuguese giants this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.
The midfielder is under contract at Benfica until June 2027 and he allegedly has a £106m release clause in his contract, but it is thought that Man United still hold an interest in the youngster.
Erik ten Hag, who missed out on primary target Frenkie De Jong over the summer, is expected to delve back into the transfer market in 2023, with the addition of a new midfielder thought to be high on his agenda.
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According to journalist Sofia Oliveira, Fernandez will be 'on the market' next summer despite having only joined Benfica in July, and she has tipped the Red Devils to make a move for the midfielder.
Speaking to CNN Portugal, Oliveira said: "Enzo Fernandez was a good fit for Manchester United. Fernandez is one of the most complete players that have passed through Portugal in recent years."
"He is a very complete midfielder and Argentina will have a world-class player on their hands if everything goes well.
"He will probably be on the market at the end of the season. there is a list of players that will have more value at Benfica by then and they will have more difficulties in holding on to them."
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Man United are set to face stern competition in the race for Fernandez, though, as the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been credited with an interest.
Liverpool, in particular, are allegedly keeping tabs on Fernandez ahead of a possible future move, with Jurgen Klopp keen to strengthen his options in centre-midfield.
The Reds have struggled with injuries in the midfield department so far this season and they are expected to reinforce when the transfer window re-opens.
Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo are also believed to be on the watchlists of both Man United and Liverpool.
Oliver Thomas
