Chelsea are the front-runners to sign Benfica star midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but Manchester United are still monitoring the situation if the Blues fail in their pursuit.
The London outfit has been heavily linked with the 21-year-old who rose to stardom after his impressive performances for Argentina at the World Cup.
According to Portuguese journalist Bruno Andrade, Chelsea are willing to pay just 25% of his release clause which stands at €120 million.
They want to split the rest of the payment in two/three instalments, whereas Benfica wants the full fee in one go.
Chelsea’s hesitation can offer Man United an outside chance to hijack the transfer deal.
Almost impossible for Manchester United to sign Enzo Fernandez in January
The Red Devils are short of funds for the winter transfer window after spending heavily in the summer.
The club backed Erik ten Hag with over £200m to strengthen his squad.Â
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s bitter departure, United desperately need to sign a striker. The manager has admitted multiple times that he wants to sign a centre-forward in January.
Due to budget constraints, United are forced to venture into the loan market and find a short-term fix.
In this situation, it is unthinkable for the Red Devils to sign Fernandez who has a colossal release clause.
If Glazers allow Ten Hag to make a big purchase this month, the fund will most likely be diverted towards a centre-forward.
With Fred, Scot McTominay and Donny van de Beek, United have depth in the midfield department.
Zidane Iqbal has been highly impressive in the friendly games and has a bright future ahead of him. He is another option for Ten Hag if the need arises.
Fernandez is a great talent, but United’s priorities lie elsewhere.
