Manchester United enter race with Chelsea for Flavio Gonçalves

Manchester United and Chelsea are set to compete for Portuguese young talent Flavio Gonçalves, who plays for Sporting CP. Reports suggest both Premier League clubs have watched the player closely and are preparing direct offers to Sporting.

United are going through a difficult period both on and off the pitch, but their transfer planning is said to be ongoing. The club appears unlikely to back down if an opportunity arises to add the player to their squad.

The 19-year-old winger began his professional career at the start of last season and has only made a handful of league appearances since. Even so, he is being highlighted as one of the most eye-catching young players in Europe. His release clause is reported to be around £51 million, and it is said that any club paying that fee could sign him. Sporting, however, reportedly want to extend the player's contract and raise his price.

Gonçalves was born in northern France to Portuguese parents. He was discovered at a six-a-side tournament in Paris by Carlos Rente, who works for the Gestifute agency. Rente is the uncle of Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana. The family moved to Portugal, where the player spent three years in the youth setup at Rio Ave. He was signed by Sporting in 2019 at the age of 12.