Manchester United in driving seat to sign Barcelona target Alvaro Carreras | OneFootball

Manchester United are expected to beat Barcelona in the transfer race for Alvaro Carreras.

The Spain U21 international has enjoyed a reversal in fortune over the last 12 months. Early this year, United sent him on loan to Benfica and showed little faith in his talents by handing the Portuguese club an option to sign him permanently for a meagre fee of around €6m.

At Benfica, Carreras quickly impressed the club bosses, who exercised the option. Further, he has now cemented his place in Bruno Lage’s starting lineup.

The Peoples Person recently relayed a report which detailed the ex-United star’s growth, stating: “… Spanish left-back has become fundamental in both attacking and defending and is the greatest work of individual transformation by Benfica’s manager.”

This transformation has seemingly also sparked a transfer battle between top European sides for his services.

Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid monitor Alvaro Carreras

According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), Benfica need to take the Barca and Real Madrid links very seriously, as the two Spanish powerhouses will continue to follow the left-back.

The Portuguese newspaper also warns the Catalan outfit about the threat from United, who have also been strongly linked with a move for their former academy star.

It is stated that ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim knows the player from his time in Portugal.

Further, United supposedly have the upper hand over Barca in the battle for the 21-year-old and at this stage, it is believed a return to Old Trafford is likelier.

The Mancunians are considered to be in the driving seat as they have a €20m buyback clause. Meanwhile, other suitors will have to spend a fee in the region of €50m to secure the Benfica star’s signature.

Amid concerns over Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s fitness, United should try to make the most of this advantage.

Carreras’s creative instincts make him a suitable fit for the left-sided wing-back role in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.

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