Manchester United are close to signing the highly talented Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches.

The 18-year-old midfield sensation has a release clause of £60m but Manchester United are confident of signing him for around half of that fee. The player could be then loaned back to Benfica for the remainder of the season, according to reports in England.

Initially, it seemed like Manchester United would make a move for the player in the summer but increased competition for his signature has forced the Old Trafford outfit to act swiftly. The Premier League giants are keen to avoid a bidding war in the summer and are willing to agree on a deal right now.

Manchester United held talks with the Benfica representatives in London yesterday. This is the second time the two clubs have met to discuss the transfer and Benfica are willing to lower their demands and agree on a deal with a lot of add-ons.

The highly talented Benfica player mainly operates as an attacking midfielder who can play as a winger as well. The player caught the eye of United scouts when the Old Trafford outfit were scouting his teammate Goncalo Guedes.

The Benfica midfielder is widely regarded as one of the finest attacking talents in Europe right now and has been likened to the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho because of his flair.