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Manchester United face a battle with Monaco to land Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho, according to reports in France.

The Portuguese international has been on the Red Devils' radar for some time, with boss David Moyes looking to bring in as many as FIVE major signings this summer.

And reports on Sunday suggested United had agreed a £37million deal for Carvalho, after his agent was given a tour of the club's Carrington training ground last week.

However, according to Le 10 Sport magazine, French moneybags Monaco are on the lookout for a holding midfielder and believe the 21-year-old fits the bill.

Scouts from the principality are said to have made several trips to watch him in action and although concrete talks have not been held, they are confident of stealing him from under United's noses.

Analysis: William Carvalho scouting report - why the midfielder is destined to be world class

Monaco are also thought to have close connections with Carvalho's agent Jorge Mendes and they hope that will give them the edge over the Premier League champions.

And Claudio Ranieri's men would be able to offer him Champions League football, something which United look unlikely to be able to match.

The Angolan-born midfielder has a £37million release clause with Sporting, which could well be triggered before the World Cup begins on June 12.

And after vowing to not be caught out again - having missed out on the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera last year - Ed Woodward and Moyes look to have a fight on their hands.

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