Manchester United ‘agree deal’ for Benfica wonderkid

Another international break is upon us. All the excuse needed for a bit of transfer gossip.

Admittedly, the name Umaro Embalo might not mean a great deal to you at this moment in time. It does, however, mean something to Jose Mourinho and his staff at Manchester United... or at least that's what a report in the Daily Mail will have you believe. Still just 16, the report claims that United have 'agreed a deal' for the youngster after being impressed by his performances for Benfica's youth side in a tournament last year. After scouting the player in the time since, United are said to have fended off competition from Real Madrid for the player and are now confident of bringing him to Manchester at some point in the new year. Born in Bissau, Guinea, Embalo has scored 15 goals in 18 appearances for Portugal's under17s and also featured for Benfica's Uefa Youth League side against United earlier this season. He is, however, yet to make his bow for the Portuguese champions' senior side. The same report claims that the player, who mainly operates on the wing, had also attracted interest from Manchester City and Liverpool. If the deal does go ahead, it seems likely that the player will be considered one for the future instead of a player who will immediately be added to United's first team.