Benfica defender scouted by Manchester United as negotiations begin

Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha has reported that Old Trafford representatives were in Lisbon on Wednesday to watch Dias in action during Benfica’s 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Anderlecht. Contact has been made between the two clubs about the possibility of completing a deal for less than the 22-year-old’s €66 million release clause. However, Benfica sources have said that the Portugal international won’t be allowed to leave for a discounted fee. The outlet claims that the Red Devils’ pursuit of the defender stems from Barcelona’s reported interest in Victor Lindelof, with a move for Dias likely to take place if the Swede is sold. Benfica’s €66m valuation is within United’s financial capabilities, so the Portuguese club’s president Luis Felipe Vieira is keen to hand the centre-back a new contract that would raise the release clause to €88m.   Now read… BAD BOYS 13 players who left on terrible terms with their clubs QUIZ! How many of Barcelona’s 50 biggest transfers can you name? Topics Manchester United, Benfica, Transfer news, Premier League Aribo keen to emulate Toure and Vieira after comparisons to midfield duo VAR used to check 10 incidents per game at Women’s World Cup, FIFA reveals Bolton administrators taking legal action against would-be owner Bassini Dick Law explains why Arsenal decided against signing a young Eden Hazard Barcelona grab Griezmann after triggering buyout clause Ranked! The 10 best centre-backs in the world Forbes have revealed the world’s most valuable football clubs – and Premier League dominates Juan Mata rejected insane offer to stay at Manchester United – report Highest-paid footballers revealed by Forbes as Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar feature Wolves’ ambitious owners understand they can’t match the Big Six – and that’s why they might actually break it