Manchester United Transfer News: Renato Sanches Agreement Reported, Top Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly struck a verbal agreement to sign Benfica teenager Renato Sanches.

News of the supposed deal came via Portuguese newspaper Record (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star), which claimed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has negotiated the potential transfer.

It’s suggested Benfica want a whopping £31.5 million up front followed by £15.8 million in add-ons if they’re to cash in on the 18-year-old sensation. 

Jan Hagen of Sport Witness provided more details about the report, claiming the two clubs have reached a “gentleman’s agreement”:

Sanches has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the game this season in the Benfica midfield. Here is a glimpse at what he is capable of:

A potential deal totalling £47 million does sound like a lot for a player who is still in the early stages of his career. But for United, if Sanches does come in, thrive and become a mainstay of the team, it could well prove to be a shrewd investment.

Sanches possesses a lot of qualities this version of the Red Devils lack. On the ball he’s electric, capable of surging beyond opponents, picking passes or beating a defender with skilful play. 

Although he’s a talent, looking at United’s current situation, Alex Shaw of ESPN FC is unsure who will be the driving force behind such a deal:

If United do intend to part ways with manager Louis van Gaal at the end of the season, as reported by Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, paying such a substantial amount for a young player seems like a big gamble. After all, the new manager, whoever that may be, may have a completely different outlook on young players and the style of football the team will play.

Perhaps that’s why United have only reportedly struck a verbal agreement for the Benfica man for the time being.

Ever Banega Reportedly Agrees Inter Milan Deal

CRISTINA QUICLER/Getty Images

According to “sources in Italy” cited by talkSPORT, Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega has signed a pre-contract agreement with Inter Milan, despite reported links to Manchester United and Barcelona.

“It has been reported that the Argentine was won over by his compatriot Javier Zanetti, who is Inter's current vice-president,” the piece stated. “Banega has already completed the first part of his medical with the club and penned a pre-contract, with a three-year deal at the San Siro all agreed.”

The 27-year-old has been one of the steadiest performers in La Liga since joining Sevilla. As we can see here, the Argentina international is a very elegant footballer:

This season he’s taken his game on again. Although it’s not been the easiest campaign for the Europa League winners, in Banega they have a player capable of dictating the course of a game, whether that be from an advanced or deeper position. As noted by MisterChip, he’s added goals to his play this term:

While getting Banega in on a free transfer would be brilliant business for the majority of clubs, he’s not really a player United need at this juncture. In Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata they already possess similar footballers, something which also applies to Barcelona.

Inter, by contrast, are crying out for a dose of guile in the middle of the park.