Man Utd step up chase for €180m duo in Portugal scouting mission

Reports linking Manchester United with Benfica sensation Joao Felix have intensified, after it was claimed that the Premier League side sent scouts to watch him at the weekend.

Felix capped off his remarkable breakout season by scoring in a 4-1 win over Santa Clara on Saturday, sealing the league title for his side. The attacking midfielder’s debut campaign in the top flight has concluded with 15 goals and seven assists from 26 league games.

According to Portuguese outlet Sapo, scouts from several European clubs were in attendance at the game, to keep their eyes on various targets. Among those were Red Devils officials, who ventured to Lisbon to step up their pursuit of 19-year-old Felix.

We revealed last month that no fewer than seven Premier League sides had been on scouting missions to witness Felix for themselves, but it is Liverpool and Man Utd who are most heavily linked.

The teenager has a €120m release clause in his contract, although Benfica want to tie him down to a new deal whereby that clause would be raised to €200m. Nonetheless, United are not put off by the tall asking price, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eager to rebuild his squad with young talent.

United are also interested in Benfica defender Ruben Dias, a 22-year-old centre-back who has made nearly 50 appearances in all competitions this season – including the full 90 minutes in the Santa Clara clash.

Both Felix and Dias are under contract until 2023.

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