Man Utd enter race for ‘The Octopus’ with £109.7m release clause

Man Utd have entered the race for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis as they look to strengthen their midfield, according to reports.

After signing one Portuguese midfielder in January, it appears that the Red Devils are interested in bringing another to Old Trafford this summer.

Luis, who is a former Manchester City target, has made 12 appearances for Benfica this season in all competitions – with injuries hampering his progress – after enjoying a breakthrough campaign last term.

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ESPN claims that Man Utd officials met the 20-year-old’s agent, Bruno Carvalho Santos, in January with his representative ‘fielding enquiries for the past few months’.

The way the Portugal under-20 international covers ground on the football pitch has earned him the nickname “O Polvo” which translates to “The Octopus”.

The report adds that Benfica ‘could be willing to let him go on loan with an option to make the move permanent’ with Bayer Leverkusen, Real Betis and Leeds United all joining Man Utd in monitoring the youngster.

When asked about a potential move, Luis’ agent told ESPN: “Florentino is one of the highest rated young defensive midfielders in Europe, so there is a lot of interest in him at the moment.

“There has been a lot of talk about Milan, but I can tell you that there is a lot of competition for his services, with clubs in England, Germany and Spain also following him closely.”

A report in A Bola last year suggested that a £109.7m release clause inserted into his new contract last July was putting off potential suitors.

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