Manchester United have decided to “advance” efforts to sign Benfica full-back Nelson Semedo as Barcelona look set on moving for Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin instead, according to reports from Portugal.
Reports earlier this season suggested that Semedo, who has just enjoyed his first campaign as Benfica’s main right back, had agreed a deal in principle with Man United ahead of the summer transfer window.
Barcelona have also expressed an interest in Semedo but will place more emphasis on trying to secure Bellerin before making serious efforts to sign the 23-year-old.
And according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness), United will attempt to take advantage by advancing their efforts to capture the Brazilian instead.
You might think that, with Antonio Valencia proving indispensable under Jose Mourinho, right back is the last area the club needs to be looking at.
The Ecuadorian, however, is almost 32, and you can’t imagine him being able to sustain the same kind of momentum he offers for that much longer.
In fact, signing Semedo – probably not equipped to start every week in the Premier League just yet – would help take some of the load off the 31-year-old’s shoulders, something he struggled with last season, and in turn perhaps prolong his career whilst also providing the Brazilian with the right balance of games.
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