Man United legend talks up reported Red Devils transfer target

Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on William Carvalho amid the speculation linking the Portugal international with a transfer to Manchester United this summer.

Carvalho has long been linked with a transfer to the Premier League and has been touted as a possible target for Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford this summer.

The Portugal international has impressed during his country’s performances at Euro 2016 and helped his side reach the last 16 with a 3-3 draw against Hungary on Wednesday afternoon.

And former United defender Ferdinand has appeared to give his nod of approval to the Red Devils’ pursuit of the player with his comments about Carvalho after the game.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Ferdinand said: “Carvalho dominated completely the centre of the game. Distributing the game to move the ball forward to create opportunities when possible.

“He’s a giant, he’s huge. What is most impressive was his calmness and he’s secure with the ball.

“It was also the way he fed the attack. What I liked most of all is not merely the way he distributed the ball, but also how he advanced, which is very nice to have.”

United are said to have kept tabs on Sporting Lisbon star Carvalho throughout last season with a view to making a bid to sign him this summer.

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The Red Devils appointed Mourinho as Louis van Gaal’s successor last month.