Man United 'aiming to secure blockbuster deal' for Sporting Lisbon star during January transfer window

Quenda, 17, has been one of the breakthrough stars in European football this season, representing Sporting on 18 occasions during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring twice and registering two assists in the process.

The youngster has been included in the Portugal squad for their UEFA Nations League clash against Croatia on Monday night, and he is expected to be handed his senior international debut by head coach Roberto Martinez.

Quenda's future at club level is currently the subject of much speculation, with new Man United head coach Ruben Amorim believed to be desperate to reunite with the teenager, having managed him at Sporting.

Arsenal are also thought to be interested in bringing him to the Premier League, but the Amorim link is believed to have placed the 20-time English champions in pole position for his signature.

Man United 'want to secure Quenda's signature in January'

Amorim recently said that Man United would not be targeting any Sporting players in January, but he refused to rule out a potential raid on the Green and Whites at the end of the campaign.

"I won't be signing [Sporting players] in January, that's what I said. I don't know about the summer. The main thing is to hold on until the summer [laughs]. After that, we'll see, Sporting's players are very good players. I don't know. We'll see," he told reporters.

However, according to A Bola, Man United want to secure Quenda's signature in January, with the Red Devils determined not to miss out on one of the best young talents in world football.

The report claims that the Red Devils would be willing to let Quenda remain on loan with Sporting for the rest of the season, and their opening offer for him could be in the region of €40m (£33.4m).

How will the situation play out?

Quenda signed a new contract at Sporting in September, with his release clause set at €100m (£83.5m), so the Green and Whites are in a strong position when it comes to his future.

However, the Lisbon giants will find it incredibly difficult to resist interest from the Premier League, and the chance to move to Manchester to reunite with Amorim would surely appeal to Quenda.

The youngster came through the system as a right-sided attacker, but he has been converted into a right-sided wing-back by Amorim, and he is allegedly wanted to play in that role at Old Trafford.

Quenda has shown his class at the highest level this season, making four appearances in the Champions League, and he starred in his side's recent 4-1 win over Manchester City in the competition.