Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Goncalo Guedes, Gelson Martins Rumours

Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to Portugal last week to keep tabs on Benfica’s young star Goncalo Guedes and Sporting CP winger Gelson Martins.

According to Record (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), the Red Devils had a representative at Benfica’s match with Feirense in the Portuguese top flight on Sunday, with Guedes said to be a genuine transfer target.

It’s stated the 19-year-old has a release clause totalling €60 million (£52.5 million) in his current contract that has five years left to run. Guedes is also on the books of revered football agent Jorge Mendes.

Despite his tender years, the winger is already making a major mark for Benfica, starting the season with a real swagger. Here’s a look at why he’s considered one of Portuguese football’s most exciting talents:

Although he’s yet to find the back of the net in league matches this season, Guedes has been a major threat on the right flank.

As a young wide player, he’s got all the attributes needed. Although he’s not blisteringly quick, the Benfica star can burst past opponents, and in tight situations, he has such nifty feet to wriggle free from danger. It’d be no surprise to see a club like United taking a good look at him.

The same goes for Martins, who is another young attacker who seems to have caught the eye of Red Devils scouts.

PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/Getty Images

A Bola (h/t Sposito) state that United also had an official at Sporting CP’s game at Vitoria de Guimaraes tracking the progress of the 21-year-old, who has burst into life this season; he, too, is said to have a €60 million release clause.

According to the report, as well as a representative from Old Trafford, there were scouts from Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus at the match.

Martins caught the eye again for Sporting with his raw pace and ability to navigate his way through narrow corridors of defenders. It was another glimpse into the quality of the winger, who has also impressed for Sporting in the Champions League this term, too.

Indeed, Martins' development in the early weeks of the season has been a joy to sample. Sports journalist Jan Hagen thinks manager Jorge Jesus has been key to his improvements:

There are certain stylistic differences to consider between Guedes and Martins, although it seems as though United may be on the hunt for another winger who can provide youthful exuberance. Anthony Martial can offer thrust from the left flank at his best, although neither Memphis Depay nor Ashley Young is providing much competition.

Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Both the aforementioned Portuguese players have the ability to come in and make a big impression in the English game. Here’s how they compare statistically so far this season in league matches:

	Guedes	Martins
Apps (Sub)	5 (2)	7
Goals	0	2
Assists	1	3
Shots per game	1.7	1.7
Key passes per game	1.6	1.9
Dribbles per game	0.3	2

United have recruited from the Portuguese league previously with mixed results. Cristiano Ronaldo grew into the best player in the world after switching from Sporting, while Nani didn’t quite live up to expectations after treading the same path. Anderson, who moved to Old Trafford from Porto, also failed to cope with the league's physicality.

If the Red Devils are serious about securing one of these tyros, it’s important both players consider their future carefully. United have an allure, and a move would have lucrative benefits. However, both prospects are thriving with their respective employers; it’d be a gamble to disrupt that development.