Manchester United In Pole Position To Sign ‘Next Cristiano Ronaldo’

The next month or so before the summer transfer window officially commences will be a formality of sorts. Most clubs that aren’t presently distracted with end-of-the-season League or Cup preparations already have their eyes set on the future.

At Manchester United, the underwhelming turn their season has taken, a historically bad one at that, will certainly inspire them to spend big in the summer to come.

In particular, the Red Devils have been associated with Portuguese duo João Félix and Bruno Fernandes, with reports strongly suggesting that the vast chunk of their initial transfer budget will be spent in acquiring the two youngsters.

However, there may be a block in the way.

19-year-old Joao Felix is said to be the more attractive signing for the Red Devils, as well as the one that they’ll face the most competition for.

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However, the most recent reports (Tutto Mercato Web via SportWitness) pertaining to the Benfica player suggest that United are ‘in pole position’ to make the acquisition.

The issue they face, however, is a financial one. The promising attacking midfielder is said to have a €120 million release clause. Meanwhile, the Old Trafford outfit value him at about €75 million. The €45 million gap is one that will have to be met in order for the Portuguese club to consider selling their prized player.

Earlier reports claimed that the English giants may go as high as €100 million for the youngster, touted to be the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’ and the basic rules of negotiation point to a similar path as well.

It is easy to see why Ed Woodward and company may want to play it safe and not go all-out for the teenager. With Alexis Sanchez, their gamble failed with a player thought to be in his prime and now with Felix, they may be trying to not make the mistake with a developing starlet.