Benfica are expecting Manchester United to make an approach for Alvaro Fernandez in January, according to Portuguese publication Record (page 16).
The 21-year-old was signed by Benfica on a permanent deal last summer for £5 million following a short-term loan stint.
Fernandez has developed into one of Benfica’s key players, but the Portuguese outfit are now expecting a possible exit.
As per Record, United have a buy-back clause worth £16.7 million in his contract, but the club have shown no interest so far.
However, it is claimed that ‘everything can change’ when Ruben Amorim takes charge of the Red Devils later this month.
Amorim will formally arrive from Sporting CP on November 11 and the 39-year-old could consider re-signing Fernandez.
Fernandez reunion seems a genuine possibility
Amorim has found success with a 3-4-3 formation at Sporting CP and he is expected to continue with the same kind of set-up.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are the left-back options in the squad, but both of them are on the sidelines.
Malacia has not played a competitive game since May last year due to a long-term knee injury.
Shaw has picked up four separate injuries since the start of last season. The Englishman recently suffered another setback.
Noussair Mazraoui has shown that he could be an alternate solution, but Amorim may want another reliable specialist.
Fernandez has all the traits to become an elite full-back. He is strong icoin tackles, recoveries and also likes to clear his lines.
He has won 60 percent of his duels this campaign while making three goal contributions.
The Spaniard has a £42m release clause in his contract, but United can re-sign him on the cheap for £16.7m. It is a no-brainer decision.
Stats from Sofascore.com
