Man United target Orkun Kokcu 'is set to join Benfica in £26m switch'

Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu is set to sign for Portuguese giants Benfica, according to reports, ending any transfer interest from Manchester United.

The Turkish midfielder has starred in Feyenoord's stunning season which saw manager Arne Slot strongly linked with the Tottenham managerial position.

At 22 he proved crucial in the middle of the park as the Rotterdam-based side sealed a memorable Eredivisie title.

His father, though, has reportedly been fielding interest from a number of clubs, with a view to a summer move, and the reports suggesting that United sent scouts to watch him take on Ajax in a cup match earlier this season.

However, Erik ten Hag now looks set to miss out on one of his reported transfer targets this summer, with Benfica seemingly beating him to the punch.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claim that the Turkish international is on the cusp of a move with the clubs agreeing a £25.7million (€30m) fee, with another £8.6m (€10m) in add-ons.

He is thought to be viewed as a long-term replacement for Enzo Fernandez, after the World Cup-winner joined Chelsea in a British record £107m move in January.

However, while United were reportedly keen on Kokcu's services, he was seemingly warned against a move by Dutch legend Sneijder, who claimed he should stay at the club amid interest from the Red Devils.

'He did a great job. He played a fantastic season,' Sneijder said in May. 'But I doubt that he can compete at the top of Europe. Where should a boy like that go?

'I would say stay another year. Enjoy it. If you're really good, that option will come naturally. Maybe he can reach the top of European football. If he is a starter player for three or four years and he carries that team, then that is possible.'

'If you go to a mid-ranking team and opt for the money, there is a chance that you will never play in the Champions League. I would say stay at Feyenoord.'

Kokcu was tipped to be an ideal reinforcement for United in midfield; an energetic and aggressive deep-lying midfielder, he managed eight goals and three assists in the Dutch top-flight in 2022-23.

With interest from Premier League sides believed to be high, Benfica are reportedly set to insert a £102m release clause into his deal.

United in particular are set to prioritise a search for a new midfielder this summer, in order to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

Marcel Sabitzer is set to return to Bayern Munich at the end of his loan deal, while Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to Newcastle, and Fred is reportedly set to be sold this summer.

The Red Devils are also in the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, with the player having played his last ever Hammers game in winning the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.

However, Ten Hag and Co will have to see off interest from the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, who are among the suitors for the England international.