Manchester United are reportedly considering re-signing Alvaro Fernandez from Benfica as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad.
United are looking to bring in a left-back in the January transfer window and have been in talks with Lecce over a deal for Patrick Dorgu. However, United have seen a bid rejected for Dorgu, with Lecce valuing the player at around €40million (£32m).
And ESPN are now reporting that Fernandez is being eyed as a potential alternative to Dorgu. Fernandez spent four years at United, but left the club without making his debut after Benfica made his loan move permanent last summer.
The report states United have an option re-sign Fernandez for €18m (£15m) which is valid until January 2026 and they are prepared to activate it if a deal cannot be agreed for Dorgu. The Red Devils do have greater flexibility in the transfer market after freeing up funds by sending Antony out on loan to Real Betis.
Betis are paying a big chunk of Antony's wages as part of the deal and United can now bring in reinforcements as a result. And Fernandez could end up being Amorim's first official signing due to his buy-back clause.
Benfica icon Alvaro Magalhaes, who won 10 major trophies during his time at the club between 1981 and 1990, admitted back in November that he was concerned United would take advantage of the clause.
"I'm afraid Ruben Amorim will take him [Fernandez] to Manchester United," Alvaro said. " It seems to me that he has the quality to be one of their first options, and looking at their squad, I believe with the new coaching staff, he could become an option again because the new coach knows him very well from what he saw at Benfica.
"When he debuted in the league, I saw a brilliant left-back in him. The way he positioned himself, how he touched the ball. For many, doubts are only now starting to dissipate. I feel today that many people have long been undermining a high-performance athlete with potential for high achievement.
"At Benfica, only the best should play, and he is undoubtedly the best. He was wronged within Benfica, but fortunately, he never gave up. That ability to react to adversity seems to be his strength.
"Great players only succeed if they are mentally very strong, and that seems to be the case. If someone is weak, they can't play for Benfica, just as they can't play for Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, or PSG."