Manchester United Transfer News: 3 Portugal Stars Scouted, Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to put in some significant groundwork ahead of the summer transfer window, with scouts set to run the rule over Bernardo Silva, Renato Sanches and Andre Gomes during Portugal’s clash with Belgium on Tuesday evening.

That’s according to Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror, who noted the Red Devils will have representatives at the rearranged friendly in Leiria. All three of these bright young talents are clients of renowned agent Jorge Mendes and are set to feature in the contest.

While they each operate in different positions on the field, Monaco’s Silva and Valencia man Gomes, the more established of the two, are attacking midfielders by trade. Here’s a look at a statistical comparison between the pairing when it comes to league matches this term:

	Silva	Gomes
Apps (Sub)	16 (10)	21 (1)
Goals	5	2
Assists	1	2
Shots per game	1.3	1.4
Key passes per game	1.1	0.8
Passing accuracy	82.7 %	81.2 %
Dribbles per game	1.4	2
Tackles per game	1.6	1.1
Interceptions	1.1	0.5

Silva, much like namesake David who plays for Manchester City, is an elegant, left-footed playmaker who glides across the turf.

His performances for Portugal at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship last summer caught the eye, and Portuguese football journalist Tom Kundert feels he should be starting regularly for the national side:

Gomes and Sanches are more comfortable in deeper positions on the field.

The former, while extremely adaptable, has the wonderful ability to commit opponents in the middle of the park and pierce a defensive structure with a timely burst of speed.

Here’s a look at what Gomes, whom Malyon compared to legendary Germany midfielder Michael Ballack, could offer should he rock up at Old Trafford:

United’s interest in Sanches, despite the fact he is just 18, seems to be longstanding. As noted by Malyon, Mendes said the Red Devils had an offer of £31 million rejected for the Benfica tyro in the winter transfer window.

Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

While that’s a lot of money for a player in the nascent stages of his career, he’s an immense talent and a footballer who could potentially reinvigorate a United midfield that’s been ponderous this term.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe broke down the areas in which he excels and falls behind:

United fans should be encouraged their scouts are keeping tabs on this trio, as they’re three of the most exciting young players on the continent.

Given Silva, Gomes and Sanches are all extremely gifted and versatile, they tick a lot of boxes for the Red Devils, who are crying out for more players who are multifaceted in their playing style.

AC Milan to Sell Gianluigi Donnarumma 

Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

According to Tuttosport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), AC Milan will look to cash in on their 17-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer amid rumours Manchester United are interested in him.

“Milan will offload Donnarumma for approximately £32 million to help balance the club's £90 million budget deficit,” wrote Anderson, summarising the Tuttosport report. It’s suggested the Red Devils could look to the teenager as a replacement for David De Gea should he leave for Real Madrid this summer.

Since being drafted into the Milan side this season, Donnarumma has performed admirably given his tender years.

Here’s a look at some of his standout moments so far:

According to Sky Sports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Los Blancos will return for the outstanding De Gea at the end of this season, having missed out on him last summer. A £30 million buyout clause in his contract with the Old Trafford club is reportedly set to expedite any deal. His departure would leave a massive void at the base of the team.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

It’s one Donnarumma could fill, eventually. All the attributes are there for the Rossoneri starlet to go on and become an elite goalkeeper. But as you’d expect from a player who is still so young, he remains a little rough around the edges.

Still, the potential longevity he could provide between the sticks could make an outlay of £32 million an efficient utilisation of funds.