By Dave Marshall
In what has been dubbed a horse race in the transfer market, Manchester United have signified interest to sign Portuguese and FC Porto right back Ricardo Pereira, according to Daily Express.
The 23-year joined Primeira Liga side Porto in the summer of 2013 but struggled to get regular game time and so, he alternated between Porto’s first team and B teams under Paulo Fonseca. In a bid to accelerate his development, the right back moved to Ligue 1 side Nice, where he’s spent the last two seasons before returning this summer.
His two-year spell with the French outfit was nothing short of impressive and he has drawn so much attraction to himself. According to the Sun, Pereira may currently be the most sought-after defender as Man United joined Borrusia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich and Tottenham in the player’s chase.
Pereira, 23, seems to have etched a permanent place in the team of Sergio Conceicao as he featured for the entire duration of Porto’s game against Estoril and Tondela. The report by the Sun further asserted the Scouts of Man United were present as Porto thumped Tondela last weekend.
Jose Mourinho has already bolstered his squad this season but he has reiterated his desire to add at least a player to his otherwise strong squad and he has been linked with move for a defender. The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for Serge Aurier but they now seem to have turned their attention to Pereira who is younger and would offer more in terms of his versatility – he can play as a right back or a right-wing back, providing a good option to Antonio Valencia.
Porto tagged him at a paltry £20 million fee but given the antecedent of Mourinho in the transfer window, he is certain to usurp Tottenham to the player’s signature.