Man Utd eyeing €40m summer deal for Ruben Amorim favourite | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a summer move for Sporting CP starlet Geovany Quenda.

The precocious 17-year-old was handed his senior debut by current United boss Ruben Amorim earlier this season, starting and scoring against Porto in the Portuguese equivalent of the Community Shield.

"He's very talented, very mature and understands the game like an adult," Amorim gushed after calling Quenda up to the first team in pre-season. "He obviously has a lot to grow into, but I think he played an excellent game and we have a player there."

The left-footed natural winger largely lined up at right wing-back in Amorim's 3-4-3 system, avoiding defeat in all but one of the 18 appearances he made for the young head coach. The pair could soon be reunited at Old Trafford, should The Athletic's report of United's plans come to fruition.

While United are not planning to snap Quenda up in January, they are thought to be laying the foundations for a deal this summer. Even though the record-breaking youngster signed a new contract in September - a deal which will keep him at Sporting until 2027 and reportedly includes a €100m (£83.6m) release clause - United believe that Quenda will only cost around €40m (£33.4m).

Geovany Quenda is comfortable in a variety of positions / Gualter Fatia/GettyImages

Amorim's side are yet to confirm any January arrivals, but are thought to be on the verge of sealing a deal for Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu - who is expected to line up on the left-hand side of United's new system.

While Dorgu has his admirers, Quenda has been tipped for the top by those outside Sporting's bubble of influence.

Roberto Martinez called the youngest scorer in Sporting history up for Portugal's senior squad in September and November. While he is yet to hand Quenda his debut, the former Everton and Belgium boss was suitably impressed: "He showed incredible personality, quality and adaptability. He has technical quality, but it's not normal for a 17-year-old."

If Quenda does arrive, it will almost certainly mark a permanent end to Antony's career at United. The Brazilian has been shipped out to Real Betis on loan for the remainder of the season, having watched Amad Diallo transition from bit-part player to starring lead in just a matter of months.