Man Utd interested in signing 'next Paul Pogba' on free transfer this summer - and have secret weapon

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Benfica wonderkid Cher Ndour, who is out of contract this summer - and Erik ten Hag has a secret weapon to seal a move.

Ndour, who is 18 years of age and has represented at Italy at various youth levels up to U20, made his Benfica senior debut in March.

He previously won the UEFA Youth League title with Benfica's academy side last season, having joined the club in 2020 from Italian side Atalanta.

In December, Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Ndour was being tracked by Juventus ahead of a possible bid from Massimiliano Allegri's side, with the midfielder compared to former United star Paul Pogba.

But Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes (via CaughtOffside) reported that United had also held talks with the 6ft 3in wonderkid, and that a deal could be concluded in January.

That hasn't yet happened, but the latest update on the midfielder's future could encourage them to return to the negotiating table - if they haven't already.

Ndour 'could leave Benfica'

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ndour is yet to commit his future to Benfica and will make his final decision on whether to leave on a free transfer shortly.

He tweeted: "Benfica top talent Cher Ndour, one to watch in the next weeks as his contract is expiring in June.

"There's interest from multiple clubs with AC Milan and also Juventus monitoring him. Ndour will make a decision about his future soon."

United, however, have a secret weapon that could convince Ndour to join them over the two Italian giants - Bruno Fernandes.

The 28-year-old, a former star player of Benfica's fierce rivals, Sporting Lisbon, shares the same agent as Ndour.

The Daily Mirror claimed in December that both Ndour and his agent were 'open' to a move to Old Trafford - but Fernandes could still have a conversation with the Italy midfielder to help move along any talks.

Both players are represented by Miguel Pinho, who lists PSG left-back Nuno Mendes and Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio amongst his other clients, as per Transfermarkt.

And that link could prove to be vital for United if they are to secure a deal for one of Europe's top young talents.