Valenica were in pole position to land the 28 year old midfielder, but now Manchester United have joined the race after an impressive season with Benfica were the side won the league, both the domestic and league cup and reached a Europa League final. United had looked at Perez back when David Moyes was boss but he did not want to activate the midfielders buy-out clause of £23.75 million.
Benfica made it clear that Perez wouldn’t leave unless a team activated his buy-out clause, before Moyes could do so this summer he was sacked. However United seem to have kept their interest in the midfielder even though Moyes has departed, the Red Devils have submitted a late bid to try and snatch the midfielder from Valencia’s clutches.
Reports in Spain say that Valencia had activated the players buy-out clause as they are soon to be takenover, however the delays in finalising the deal have allowed United to creep in and try their luck. If Perez does end up moving to Old Trafford he would be Louis Van Gaal’s third summer signing after Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw and United’s summer spending would surpass the £83 million mark.
Written by Ben Waterhouse – @BenWaterhouse_
