The Portuguese is currently one of the most sought-after central defenders and he has already become a mainstay for club and country.

He currently has a release clause worth €100m in his deal, but the 20-year-old is unlikely to leave Benfica against the wishes of the club.

United have now been handed a boost with Record claiming that Benfica are willing to discuss his departure in the next transfer window .

Benfica could be prepared to accept a lesser fee than his clause, and the news should delight United, who have been closely tracking him.

The Red Devils are expected to part ways with Raphael Varane when his contract concludes at the end of the present season.

The decision has been made to remove his €400,000-a-week salary off the wage bill to make room for a new centre-back signing.

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