Benfica defender Alvaro Carreras insists that he's 'overlooking' links of a return to Manchester United, despite their buyback clause.
Carreras, 21, was sold by United last summer for just €6million (£5m) after failing to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils. His performances in Portugal have attracted interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, the latter of whom play Benfica on Wednesday.
But United could steal a march on the European giants by exercising their €20m (£16m) buyback clause which expires in the summer of 2026. However, Carreras doesn't sound too interested in an immediate return to Old Trafford and wants to focus on making his name at Benfica, having scored three goals and registered four assists this season.
Asked about United's potential interest, the Spaniard revealed to A Bola via Sport Witness: "The truth is that I'm overlooking it a bit. I'm concentrating on what I have to do because every three days I have a game.
"There's always interest from teams, and everyone wants to grow, but I'm doing very well here (at Benfica). Manchester United have an option to buy that has been signed, but I'm very happy here."
Carreras, who was signed by United from Real Madrid in 2020, was also asked about his future in January, once again indicating that he didn't want to leave Lisbon. "You never know, but I have a contract for many years here at Benfica, I'm happy," he stated. "They gave me the opportunity to grow, and I owe everything to them."
United brought in a new left-back in January, welcoming Patrick Dorgu in a deal worth up to £29m. But given Luke Shaw's fitness struggles, Ruben Amorim could be in the market for another signing.
Amorim's 3-4-3 system puts huge demands on his wing-backs and the Red Devils boss hasn't been able to find the right profiles in his current squad. Defenders Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have shared the bulk of the minutes on either flank while forwards Amad and Antony have also been tried there.
United have also been tipped to sign Sporting Lisbon right-back Geovany Quenda, who's just 17. Portuguese prospect Quenda impressed under Amorim before the manager's move to Old Trafford.
Carreras will get another chance to impress when Benfica host Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash. The 21-year-old produced a superb cross for his side's opening goal before conceding a penalty when the teams last met during the competition's league phase, as Barcelona snatched a 5-4 win during stoppage time.