Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon during the January transfer window, according to reports from O Jogo and A Bola.
Portuguese journals are confident of United officials scouting Carvalho during the ongoing Portuguese League. Carvalho has been linked with a move to United since 2014 with Mourinho eager to get the deal done.
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According to reports from O Jogo, United will offer in the region of €35million for Carvalho, who has a €45m release clause in his current Sporting contract. They have also revealed that Sporting will have to pay Carvalho a compensation of over €5m if they reject any official bid over €35m for his transfer.
Why Carvalho is ideal for United and Mourinho
Pogba was brought back to Old Trafford in an £89m deal earlier this summer but his move has not panned out as well as initially thought. After 4 games in the season, Pogba is yet to score or assist a goal which has slowly started to become United’s and Mourinho’s biggest headache.
The popular theory is that Pogba needs a passer and a combative midfielder around him in an either 2-man or 3-man midfield. Currently, Marouane Fellaini is playing with Pogba but Belgian’s slow movements aren’t the ideal foil to Pogba’s dynamic approach to the game.
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However, Carvalho on the other hand if known for his destructive style of play where he not only breaks things up but also is an efficient passer of the ball. Carvalho was one of Portugal’s most consistent players at the Euro 2016 where he managed to see off France in the final and lift the trophy
Who will make way for Carvalho?
Despite a reasonable start to the season, Fellaini could be the one to make way for Carvalho if he is signed in January. However, Wayne Rooney could be another one whose place at Old Trafford is in danger at the moment.
The United skipper has contributed very little to team’s goals this season and there is a belief that Pogba would eventually play in the number 10 role with the new signing slotting in the midfield behind him.
There are too many permutations and combinations going around United’s starting XI at the moment and it could become an even clearer picture in January if Carvalho or any other combative midfielder walks through the door at Old Trafford.
