Manchester United, as is normal for this time of year, have been linked with an abundance of midfielders as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen a key area ahead of the new season.
There is little doubt that United need reinforcements in the engine room. Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are leaving the club, while there remain serious doubts that the much-derided ‘McFred’ double pivot will help return the Red Devils to former glories.
One such player that United appear to be keen on is Porto midfielder Vitinha, who has Premier League experience following a loan spell at Wolves in the 2020-21 season.
Porto midfielder Vitinha has attracted the attention of several top clubs with his performances
The highly-rated 22-year-old has so far been capped three times by Portugal’s senior side
Vitinha reportedly has a release clause of £34million, which has put United on red alert. But the Old Trafford club are not alone, with Arsenal and Barcelona also thought to be in the running to sign the 22-year-old this summer but the trio seem to have lost the race.
The Red Devils appear to have been dealt a new transfer blow as their slow start to the summer window continues. Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly closing in on securing his services, with Vitinha set for a medical with the French side.
Here, Sportsmail looks at the reasons why the young Portuguese caught the eye of the likes of PSG, United, Arsenal and Barcelona.
How did he get here?
Vitinha, full name Vítor Machado Ferreira, was born in a district of Braga and joined Porto at the age of 11.
He worked his way up the ranks at one of Portugal’s biggest clubs and eventually broke into the first team in the 2019-20 campaign, making 12 appearances as Porto clinched the league title.
Despite playing a peripheral role for Porto that season, Vitinha had done enough to impress Nuno Espirito Santo, who signed his compatriot on loan in the transfer window.
Vitinha signed for Wolves on loan from Porto in the summer transfer window in 2020
Due to constraints brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Wolves turned down the chance to buy him for £17m and he returned to Porto last summer – much to the delight of the Portuguese club’s fanbase.
Vitinha was a vital part of the title-winning team in the 2021-22 campaign as he featured in a total of 47 matches in all competitions, with his performances attracting the attention of Europe’s top clubs.
His displays have also seen him capped three times by Portugal and he is…