Manchester United line up Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius

According to the Sun, Manchester United have identified Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius as a top target for the upcoming transfer window.

The Brazilian has enjoyed a spectacular season in Portugal and has scored 20 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances for the Eagles. The 25-year old who leads the scoring charts in the Primeira Liga, has also attracted the attention of arch-rivals Liverpool.

Interestingly, Vinicius began his career as a central defender before progressing up the field. Having played as a striker for the first time just three years ago, the Brazilian has gone on to make a name for himself up the pitch.

Vinicius moved to Europe in 2017 with Real Sport Clube in Portugal. He immediately impressed in his debut season by scoring 20 goals and five assists in 38 games.

His performances earned him a move to Napoli the following year. Interestingly, he failed to make a single competitive appearance for the Italians and instead spent the season out on loan at Rio Ave and Monaco.

The Italians’ loss was Benfica’s gain as the Portuguese side swooped in for him last summer. He is currently contracted to the club until 2024 but has an £88million release clause in his contract. 

An opportunity presents itself

However, given the current financial crisis, the Portuguese giants are unlikely to receive anywhere close to the quoted clause. United are keen to take advantage of the situation to make a £35million bid.

Benfica president, Luis Filipe Vieira, is confident he can demand the entire release clause for Vinicius if he holds out.  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to sign Vinicius. He views the striker as a key addition to the United squad in the hopes for challenging for the Premier League title next season.

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United failed to replace Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez last summer. With Odion Ighalo’s future up in the air, the Red Devils’ resources are strained up front.

Signing an infallible scorer will offer us many more options going forward.