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Mario, 23, is aware United want to sign him for £45m when the transfer window reopens.

That’s regardless of whether Louis van Gaal is in charge or not.

Sporting chief Bruno de Carvalho is reluctant to sell Mario but he has a £45m release clause in his contract.

He is powerless to keep him if United meet the asking price - and Mario himself wants out.

The pair have spoke and the midfield told De Carvalho he wants to move to Old Trafford.

United have turned to the Sporting Lisbon sensation after missing out on preferred target Renato Sanches.

Old Trafford bosses have held a series of talks with Mario and his representatives and are confident of striking a deal.

They are willing to hand him a long-term deal worth around £140,000-a-week.

The English giants have been scouting him for several months and believe he will be a huge success in the Premier League.

Mario, who has won eight caps, has made 37 appearances for Sporting this season, scoring seven goals and been one of the stand-out midfielders in Europe.