Manchester United have been backed to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez by Portuguese journalist Sofia Oliveira.

A number of English clubs have been linked with the Argentinian international, including Liverpool and Chelsea, but Oliveira believes a move to Old Trafford is a possibility next summer:

“Enzo Fernández was a good fit for Manchester United. Fernandez is one of the most complete players that have passed through Portugal in recent years… He is a very complete midfielder and Argentina will have a world-class player on their hands if everything goes well. He will probably be in the market at the end of the season. there is a list of players that will have more value at Benfica by then and they will have more difficulties in holding on to them.”

Reports last week suggested that United have begun scouting Fernandez, who has been catching the eye since he arrived in Portugal from River Plate for €10m at the start of the season.

As Oliveira points out, the 21-year-old’s valuation will undoubtedly increase significantly if he continues to impress as the season goes on, although his €120m (£105m) release clause will probably prove too costly for United and other clubs if Benfica do decide to hold out for that much.

Fernandez could well make a name for himself at the World Cup, though, if he is selected by Argentina, and demand for the player may increase significantly over the coming weeks and months.