Man United scout Benfica starlet again amid transfer talk – report

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Benfica starlet Renato Sanches amid talk of a possible January transfer bid for the teenager.

United officials are reported to have been in attendance as the Portuguese giants took on Vitoria at the weekend as the Red Devils ponder a January bid for the 18-year-old.

Now, it appears that United have stepped up their interest in the midfielder, after scouts from the Premier League club watched him in action for the second time in a week.

Benfica secured a thumping 6-0 home victory against Maritimo this week and Manchester United scouts were at the game to watch Sanches in action once again, according to journalist Jan Hagen.

Hagen tweeted:

For the 2nd time in 4 days, Man United were present to watch Benfica in their 6-0 win last night. Renato Sanches(18) the target, reportedly.

— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) January 7, 2016

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United are believed to be on the lookout for midfield reinforcements as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his squad in preparation for the second half of the season.

The Red Devils kicked off 2016 with a welcome 2-1 win over Swansea City at Old Trafford at the weekend.