Renato Sanches to Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson gives seal of approval to '£46m target'

Portuguese midfielder, 18, has been superb for Benfica this season.

(Getty)

Manchester United continue to pursue Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches, according to reports.

The Guardian report that talks with the Portuguese teenager and the club have progressed well, with a deal that expected to cost around £46million (€60m) - that cost would be offset over four years, however.

Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be an admiter of the 18-year-old, while United's scouts have also highly recommended the dynamic midfielder, having wathced him on a number of occasions.

United will face competition from Europe's top clubs, but the report states that United consider themselves in the lead for his signature.

Sanches only made his senior debut at the end of October but has since enjoyed a meteoric rise for the Primeira Liga leaders; he has played 28 matches in all competitions, scoring two goals, and was handed a full international debut in March.

With three games remaining Rui Vitoria's side hold a two point lead over rivals Sporting.

With Michael Carrick now 35 and Bastian Schweinsteiger 32 and no longer the player he nce was, Sanches is seen as a key building block for United's future.