MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly struck a deal in principle to sign Nelson Semedo for £35million.
The Benfica right-back has emerged as one of Europe’s top young defenders and Jose Mourinho has allegedly won the race for his signature.
Portuguese news outlet Noticias Ao Minuto claims United will bring Semedo to Old Trafford this summer after agreeing the eye-watering fee last month.
Mourinho was keen to have Semedo in his squad for the remainder of the Premier League campaign but Benfica were unwilling to part ways as they chase a fourth consecutive title.
The Champions League contenders also sanctioned Goncalo Guedes’ big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain and refused to entertain the idea of letting Semedo half-way through the season as well.
But Benfica will allow Semedo to leave in July and are ready to accept United’s £35m offer.
Semedo’s potential arrival is likely to spell the end of Matteo Darmian’s adventure at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Italian has barely featured under Mourinho, with converted midfielder Antonio Valencia preferred in his position.
United also tried to sign Semedo’s teammate Victor Lindelof in January and could look to snap up the Swede too.
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