Manchester United are reportedly mulling over a move for Porto's £35million-rated midfield star Vitinha, who has been tipped to leave the Portuguese giants 'imminently'.
United are expected to be active in the transfer market under their new boss, Erik ten Hag, as the former Ajax chief bids to remould a playing squad that finished in sixth place last term; United's worst-ever finish in the Premier League era.
One area of the squad that the Dutchman is seemingly keen to reinvigorate is midfield, with United already chasing a blockbuster deal for Ten Hag's former Ajax general, Frenkie de Jong. But with the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata all departing the club this summer, United will need more than just the Barcelona man if they are to improve next season.
And with more midfield options needed, United have been linked with a move for Vitinha, who has caught the eye in Portugal. According to Record, the 22-year-old's exit is 'imminent' as his €40m (£35m) release clause 'will be exercised' by a Premier League club, with Manchester United the only club specified in the report.
The report also claims that the midfield maestro would be the perfect fit for Ten Hag's progressive style of football, with Vitinha's exit moving 'closer and closer'.
Another Portuguese outlet, O Jogo, also states that Vitinha's release clause is expected to be met soon after the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, conducted a number of meetings with a host of clubs, including United and Barcelona, last week.
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The Portugal international was a key performer in the Porto side that won the Primeira League last year, racking up 47 appearances and all competitions and chipping in with four goals and five assists.
Vitinha is no stranger to the Premier League after a season-long stint on loan at Wolves during the 2020/2021 campaign. The Porto starlet made 23 appearances for the Midlands outfit, but Wolves reportedly decided against activating their €20m (£17.3m) option to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis as their finances were hit by the pandemic.
United's issues in midfield have been well-documented, with the club failing to settle on a first-choice pairing in recent years. As well as chasing a deal for De Jong, Ten Hag is also expected to reintegrate Donny van de Beek into the United squad next season.
Van de Beek was another player who thrived under Ten Hag at Ajax, but has struggled to make any sort of impression since he moved to Old Trafford in a £35m deal back in 2020. However, Van de Beek is likely to be handed a career lifeline by his old boss next year to boost United's midfield options.
