RENATO SANCHEZ "CLOSE" TO UNITED MOVE- DI MARZIO

MANCHESTER UNITED have taken a huge step towards securing the signature of Renato Sanches after it was claimed they have agreed a fee with Benfica.

United scouts have been watching the starlet — dubbed the ‘new Ronaldinho’ — since his breakthrough into the Portuguese giants’ first-team this season.

Old Trafford chiefs were aware they faced a fight to land the midfielder as neighbours Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were also monitoring his progress.

Sanches has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Manchester United Reuters

Teenager Sanches broke into the Benfica team this season EPA

But reports in Italy suggest they have got their man.

According to Sky Italia, and respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, United will shell out a mega £39million, paid over four seasons.

Di Marzio Tweeted: “#Benfica’s midfielder Renato #Sanches is really close to @ManUtd for €60M paid in four years.”