Manchester United are preparing an opening offer for Sporting CP winger Flávio Gonçalves, according to a report — though the two clubs remain apart on his transfer value.

Gonçalves is a 19-year-old winger born in France but who represents Portugal at U21 level through his Portuguese parents. After impressing Paris Saint-Germain scouts, Gonçalves and his family returned to Portugal, where he developed in the Rio Ave and Sporting academies.

A left winger who likes to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, Gonçalves was promoted to Sporting’s first team in July and has quickly become a key player under head coach Rui Borges, notching three goals and one assist in nine appearances this season.

The teenager has massive potential and could be the next player to leave Sporting in a big-money deal.

CaughtOffside claims United and Chelsea are showing “growing interest” in Gonçalves and are “readying January moves” to prise him away from the Portuguese giants. Both clubs are “preparing to test the waters” with bids worth €45–50m (£38–42m).

Sporting hold firm on valuation

It remains to be seen whether such a fee could convince Sporting to sell. The report tips them to demand his full €60m (£50m) release clause before selling in January.

Sporting believe Gonçalves will one day become a €100m (£84m) player and want to tie him down to a new contract with an exit clause worth that amount. Gonçalves, though, is likely to be tempted by a big transfer to the Premier League, which could see him reject the offer of a new deal.

Scouts from United and Chelsea, as well as LaLiga and Serie A sides, have been “wowed” by his “explosive acceleration, one-on-one dribbling ability, agility in tight spaces, and direct goal contribution.”

Chelsea provide stern competition

Chelsea will provide United with stern competition for Gonçalves, having built a “good relationship with Sporting” after the £40m deal that took Geovany Quenda to Stamford Bridge.

If United win the race for Gonçalves, it could see them move on from current left winger Marcus Rashford. Rashford started this season well at Old Trafford after failing to join Barcelona permanently in the summer, only for a hip injury to disrupt his campaign.

Rashford wanted to return to Barcelona, while United were keen to offload his huge £325,000-a-week wages. Landing Gonçalves would reduce United’s reliance on Rashford, but there does not seem to be a market for the Englishman now Barcelona have captured Anthony Gordon.

The link to Gonçalves comes amid mounting speculation over Michael Carrick’s future as head coach. Carrick has been criticised for apologising during his latest press conference, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s managerial preference has emerged.