Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Portuguese playmaker Joao Mario over the last few weeks.
The Portuguese media are now reporting (via Sportwitness) that Manchester United have decided to submit an offer for the highly talented Sporting midfielder this summer.
Mario has been on fire for the Portuguese outfit this season and is likely to start for Portugal in the Euro 2016 as well.
According to reports, Manchester United officials were present during Sporting’s match against Porto earlier and ran the rule over the 23-year-old. Joao Mario had a fantastic game against Porto and has probably impressed the club officials a lot, which is why they have decided to submit the offer.
The midfielder has a €60m release clause and Manchester United are unlikely to pay that much for a relatively unproven talent. It remains to be seen if the Premier League giants can negotiate a more reasonable fee.
Sporting are unlikely to sell now, especially with Euros this summer. They know that the player’s price could easily go up if he has a good tournament in France this summer.
Bitter rivals Manchester City were present during the Porto match as well and were probably impressed with Mario too.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are looking to get rid of Ander Herrera this summer.
Spanish media (via Sportwitness) have linked the midfielder with a return to Atheltic Bilbao this summer. The reports state that Manchester United are not actively seeking a buyer for Herrera, but they believe that an exit would be best for all parties involved.
Herrera has failed to establish himself as a starter at Old Trafford since his move from Bilbao and it would probably be best for him to join a club where he can play regularly and continue his development as a footballer.
Herrera is still quite young for a central midfielder and risks stagnation if he continues at Manchester United, especially on the bench.
As for Manchester United, the sale would come as a bit of shock considering Herrera’s potential and talent. The Spanish midfielder is still capable of becoming a top quality player under the right guidance.
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