Manchester United in Portugal to complete Carvalho deal

Carvalho featured in Portugal's final group game against Ghana.

Manchester United are set to win the race for Portuguese international and Chelsea target William Carvalho with Old Trafford officials in Portugal to finalise the deal.

The Daily Mail cites reports in Portugal that claim United have dispatched a delegation to put the finishing touches on the transfer. Negotiations have been ongoing over a transfer fee, with Sporting Lisbon reportedly holding out for Carvalho's £37.5m release clause.

Competition for Carvalho

If they complete the deal, United will have beaten off competition from Chelsea and Monaco among others. Chelsea in particular were thought to be strong contenders for his signature, while Monaco had a £27m bid rejected earlier this summer.

Chelsea looked at Carvalho as an alternative to Paul Pogba, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A side. And Juventus themselves have scouted the 22-year-old midfielder on occasion, with Carvalho lined up as a potential replacement for Pogba should the Frenchman move.

Real Madrid are another team also mentioned as a possible destination for the talented midfielder.

Jorge Mendes

Carvalho is represented by Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese agent who has worked closely with United on transfer before. He played a role in bringing Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani to Old Trafford. Like Carvalho, both played at Sporting Lisbon.

He also represented Bebe and Anderson, and helped to broker the move that brought Jose Mourinho to the Premier League from Chelsea.

Alternatives to Carvalho

Having completed deals to sign Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, United have wasted little time in strengthening the squad for incoming boss Louis Van Gaal. Despite the addition of Herrera, the club remains keen to sign another defensively minded midfielder and Carvalho was one of several options.

With a transfer reportedly close, it's safe to assume United will end their interest in the likes of Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira, two players who have been heavily linked with United in the recent past.

What to expect...