Manchester United interested in Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis

Manchester United officials reportedly met with the agent of Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis in January, with a view to a making a transfer offer in the off-season.

After signing one Portuguese midfielder in January, it appears that the Red Devils are interested in bringing another to Old Trafford.

Luis, who is a former Manchester City target, has made 12 appearances for Benfica this season in all competitions - with injuries hampering his progress - after enjoying a breakthrough campaign last term.

ESPN claims that Man United officials met the 20-year-old's agent, Bruno Carvalho Santos, in January with his representative 'fielding enquiries for the past few months'.

The way the Portugal under-20 international covers ground on the football pitch has earned him the nickname "O Polvo" which translates to "The Octopus".

The report adds that Benfica 'could be willing to let him go on loan with an option to make the move permanent' with AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Betis and Leeds United all joining Man Utd in monitoring the youngster.

When asked about a potential move, Luis' agent told ESPN: "Florentino is one of the highest rated young defensive midfielders in Europe, so there is a lot of interest in him at the moment.

"There has been a lot of talk about Milan, but I can tell you that there is a lot of competition for his services, with clubs in England, Germany and Spain also following him closely."

A report in A Bola last year suggested that a £109.7 million release clause inserted into his new contract last July was putting off potential suitors.

- TEAMtalk media