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Manchester United Transfer News: Renato Sanches Fee Set Amid Latest Rumours

Rory Marsden@@roomarsdenX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistApril 29, 2016

VILA DO CONDE, PORTUGAL - APRIL 24: SL Benfica's midfielder Renato Sanches in action during the Primeira Liga match between Rio Ave FC and SL Benfica at Estadio dos Arcos on April 24, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Manchester United are reportedly set to complete a £46 million deal for Benfica wonderkid Renato Sanches.

According to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel and Jack Gaughan, "Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira was in London on Thursday night to complete the move" and the Portuguese club have demanded £31 million up front for the 18-year-old with £15 million in add-ons. 

Mokbel added that Sanches' buyout clause is set at £60 million, but United have seemingly managed to negotiate a cheaper deal. 

The Red Devils have reportedly been tracking the central midfielder for some time, and Portuguese outlet O Jogo also indicated the Old Trafford club are close to getting their man (via Portuguese football writer Jan Hagen):

Jan Hagen @PortuBall

Today's O Jogo: Benfica President Vieira has been in Manchester to negotiate the transfer of Renato Sanches to MUFC. https://t.co/eie79hopAH

A genuine box-to-box midfielder, "Sanches is Portugal’s hottest prospect since Cristiano Ronaldo," and United seemingly are closing in on his signing, per Mokbel and Gaughan.

Sanches has proved his quality this season with a string of mature performances, contributing both in a defensive and attacking capacity.

See some of his highlights of the campaign below:

United's central midfield is due for a rebuild, with Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger both in their 30s and drawing to the end of their respective careers.

Sanches would be a live wire alongside the reliable Morgan Schneiderlin in the middle of the park and could potentially be a key part of the United side for the next decade as they attempt to re-establish themselves as European giants. 

The Manchester outfit already has a strong contingent of youngsters in the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard, and Sanches could excel sitting just behind that trio.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14:  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund reacts during the UEFA Europa League quarter final, second leg match between Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund at Anfield on April 14, 2016 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.  (Photo
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Per Mokbel and Gaughan, United have also "registered a solid interest in £70 million-rated Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang."

The Dortmund star has had a phenomenal season in the Bundesliga, netting 23 goals in 28 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

Given United's struggles in front of goal this season—they have netted just 42 top-flight goals in 34 matches, the second-worst return in the Premier League's top 10—they could do with a top-class frontman. 

And Gabon international Aubameyang would be an ideal addition, although BVB are likely to hold out for a hefty transfer fee considering his contract at Signal Iduna Park runs until 2020.