Transfer Centre

Manchester United want Joao Felix as Juan Mata replacement?

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 08 February 2019

Man United want Felix as Mata replacement?

Benfica youngster Joao Felix is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United as they look for a player to replace Juan Mata.

Manchester United are reportedly tracking Benfica attacking midfielder Joao Felix ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are planning ahead for next season, despite the uncertainty over who will be their permanent manager from the summer onwards.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now considered the leading contender to take charge after impressing during his caretaker spell at Old Trafford, though Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte and Zinedine Zidane may also still be in contention.

One player who may not be part of the new era at United is Juan Mata, who is supposedly close to departing as the club are unwilling to give him the two-year contract he is after.

ESPN suggests that Benfica star Felix, labelled the new Cristiano Ronaldo by some, could be on his way to Manchester to fill the void left by ageing midfielder Mata.

Felix only made his senior debut in August but he has caught the attention of many clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea, with the latter sending scouts to watch him against Sporting Lisbon this week.

The 19-year-old found the net against Sporting - his eighth goal of the season - to become the youngest player to score in the Lisbon derby.