Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of tough-tackling midfielder William Carvalho.
The midfielder, 22, has impressed for Sporting over the last season, and could follow the lead of former players Ronaldo and Nani to Old Trafford in the near future, although officials have stated that this will only happen if the Manchester club match the £37m release clause in his contract.
English giants Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Portuguese midfielder in recent weeks, but it is understood that Carvalho’s preferred destination is Old Trafford; although whether or not United stump up the cash to sign him remains a different matter.
United have been active in the transfer window so far, signing England left back Luke Shaw and Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, although reported target Toni Kroos looks set to join Real Madrid in the upcoming weeks.
Connor Whittick.
