Liverpool lead Man United in race to sign ex-Swansea player Renato Sanches

After a poor spell at Swansea, he has become one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1.

Manchester United are set to challenge Liverpool for ex-Swansea midfielder Renato Sanches, according to reports in Italy. Gazzetta dello Sport claim Sanches, now starring in French league leaders Lille's midfield, already has an agreement in place with the Premier League champions, who see Sanches as a long term replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, whose contract at Anfield expires next summer. However, the same newspaper is also reporting that Man United have joined a growing list of clubs interesting in luring the Portuguese midfielder away from France. Sanches was one of the hottest prospects in Europe as a teenager, but a disappointing loan spell at Swansea - the lowlight of which came when he passed the ball directly to the advertising hoarding at Stamford Bridge - and inconsistent form at Bayern saw his stock plummet. Having dropped down a level to play for French side Lille, the 23-year-old has reminded the world of his ability and is now back on the radar of the world's biggest clubs. [caption id="attachment_86313" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Renato Sanches has played 22 times for Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)[/caption] Gazzetta's report claims that United have "made an enquiry" about Sanches, which has also prompted Inter Milan to do their own research. The Italian side have reportedly discovered the midfielder will cost no more than €25m. That fee should be considered a bargain, given the player's age and potential, but external factors mean Lille are not in a position to demand much more. The 2019/20 Ligue 1 season was not concluded, amid the coronavirus pandemic, meaning French clubs have missed out on money they budgeted around. Meanwhile, a commercial deal with Telefoot Chaine, launched just four months ago, has fallen through after the station collapsed, putting the finances of many French clubs in severe trouble. France's loss will inevitably be the Premier League's gain, as Sanches looks bound for the north west.

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