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Manchester United have informed Jorge Mendes they are keen on signing Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches in the summer.

Sanches, 18, is the latest starlet to be represented by Mendes but United are expected to face intense competition for the Portugal youth international ahead of next season.

M.E.N. Sport understands United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward contacted Mendes about Sanches and was informed Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested in the teenager, who would cost United £46m.

Reports that United tabled a deadline day bid for Sanches, however, were inaccurate. United were intent on strengthening only at full-back, where they explored the possibility of loaning a right-back following a slew of defensive injuries.

United have not agreed a transfer fee or personal terms with Benfica prodigy Sanches, who has scored two goals in 15 games this season.

Jose Mourinho's potential arrival could also bolster United's chances of signing Sanches. United have held talks with Mourinho's representatives about the possibility of him managing the club in recent weeks and, should he succeed Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, his association with Mendes could clinch Sanches' signature.

Mourinho agreed to take Mendes' client Radamel Falcao on loan last year at Chelsea - despite his sorry season at United - and he has worked with a number of Mendes' players over the years.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Coentrao and Pepe were among the GestiFute clients at Real Madrid while Mourinho was manager when, according to Spanish journalist Diego Torres, Mendes had his own office at the club's Valdebebas training ground.

Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Tiago and Maniche all joined Chelsea within two years of Mourinho's 2004 appointment.

United have signed several players represented by Mendes since Ronaldo's £12.24m move in 2003. Anderson, Nani, Bebe, David de Gea, Angel di Maria and Falcao all agreed deals under the guidance of Mendes.