Manchester United have a chance to complete their first signing of January, with Benfica seemingly warming to the idea of selling Umaro Embalo.

Jose Mourinho’s men will have to be quick, because RB Leipzig are edging ahead for the player. Bild report that Leipzig held talks with Benfica last week to discuss details of a transfer, which suggests Benfica are considering a sale at the right price.

That price is put at around €18m and whilst Bild state Leipzig are favourites, Manchester United and Barcelona are also mentioned.

In November it was reported in Portugal that Manchester United had agreed a deal to sign Embalo. No figures were mentioned and it was explained the talented 16 year old would go to the club’s academy initially.

That was jumping the gun and the agreement was quickly denied, but the player’s agent confirmed talks have taken place: “If he’s going to Manchester is something that I don’t know at all, but it’s true that we have already met with Benfica and Manchester, there is no agreement, but there are conversations.”

At the time it was reported RB Leipzig had offered €6m and then returned with €13m. Bild say the potential transfer is getting ‘hotter’, and if the figures are going up to €18m then it’s hard to imagine Benfica saying no.

This one looks possible for Manchester United to complete, and quickly, but they’ll need to edge ahead of RB Leipzig again.