Manchester United 'most interested' in triggering Vitinha's £34m release clause

Manchester United are the 'most interested' side in triggering Porto midfielder's Vitinha's £34million release clause, according to reports in Portugal.

The 22-year-old, whose full name is Vítor Machado Ferreira, already has Premier League experience having spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Wolves.

Due to constraints brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Wolves turned down the chance to buy him for £17m - but he is now reportedly in line for a return to the Premier League.

Portuguese newspaper Record have detailed that Vitinha, who returned to Porto last season and played a key role in them winning the double, is set for an 'imminent' departure.

The Record report goes on to add that his €40m (£34m) buyout clause 'will be exercised' by a Premier League club.

Manchester United are the only team named in their reporting.

They add that newly-appointed Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag feels Vitinha's style makes him a good fit and the player's goodbye 'is getting closer' at Porto.

Vitinha's future attracted coverage across Portugal's major newspapers on Tuesday.

In O Jogo's report, they revealed that Vitinha has 'been mentioned in meetings' with both Manchester United and Barcelona last week.

Vitinha shone last season having played a key role in delivering the Portuguese title to Porto.

As a result he has established himself in Portugal's senior team as they build momentum ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

United would prove a familiar landing spot for the 22-year-old given fellow Portuguese internationals Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot all play at Old Trafford.

Vitinha made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, finishing with four goals and five assists.

His agent is Jorge Mendes, who also looks after Ronaldo's affairs, and United are very familiar with the intermediary.

With Man City and Liverpool making major moves in the transfer market already this summer, pressure is building on United to hand new boss Ten Hag his first new faces.

City have spent £51m to get Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund while Liverpool are breaking their transfer record to spend £85m on Darwin Nunez.

Manchester United had been admirers of Nunez but Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday that they pulled out of the race after deciding against being held to a bidding war with Liverpool.

United were invited into a bidding auction by the player's agents but declined to engage, ensuring a move to Old Trafford was never an option for the player.