Reports this morning in British newspaper The Express suggest that Manchester United are moving closer to beating off competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea to sign Portuguese starlet William Carvalho after Sporting Lisbon look for a suitable replacement for the highly rated youngster.
Sporting are thought to have made enquiries for Nigeria's Under-20 talent Abdullahi Shehu as a replacement for their 4-time Player of the Month.
Businessman Ken Van Deyck spoke to Maisfutebol (translation required) saying: "We know the interest of Sporting in the player and we know the clubs are negotiating.
"A businessman friend of mine made the first contact with Sporting and at this time we are talking and hope to complete the transfer."
Shehu's potential move to Lisbon would hugely increase the chances of Carvalho leaving this summer with long time admirers Manchester United - who scouted the player on numerous occasions last season under previous manager David Moyes - looking the most likely destination.
The Old Trafford club will have to offer some serious cash for the player though, as Sporting are refusing to move down from the players £37 million buy-out clause.
Source: DSG
