Man Utd & Man City handed boost in pursuit of Sporting CP star | OneFootball

Manchester United and Manchester City have received a boost in their pursuit of Sporting CP forward Trincao this summer.

The 25-year-old, who spent a season on loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers previously, has caught the attention of both Manchester giants following several stellar seasons in Lisbon.

The winger has produced 21 goals and assists this term, adding to impressive tallies during his first two campaigns with Sporting. He also scored a brace during the March international break in Portugal's 5-2 demolition of Denmark in the UEFA Nations League - his first goals for his country during his tenth senior outing.

Trincao has additionally been linked with moves to Arsenal and Newcastle United as England's elite take notice of his remarkable ascent, with Premier League suitors receiving welcome news regarding the in-form attacker.

Record have reported that the buy-back clause Barcelona inserted into their deal to sell Trincao to Sporting permanently in 2023 expired in June 2024, meaning the Catalan giants are now unable to buy the Portuguese back for a cut-price figure.

Trincao failed to make a name for himself at Barca / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Barcelona were able to sign Trincao for just €20m during the 2022/23 season and €25m during the following campaign, but didn't take up the opportunity to bring him back to the club.

Trincao's value is currently protected by his €60m (£50m) release clause and Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal would all be expected to meet that sum if they were to sign him this summer. With his contract running until 2027, Sporting are unlikely to accept anything less.

The reigning Portuguese champions are desperately trying to keep hold of one of their prized assets, having already sold Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo to Chelsea. Star striker Viktor Gyokeres is also expected to leave this summer and is a target for United and Arsenal.

United already have an advantage in the hunt for Trincao given former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim currently manages the Red Devils and they will be eager to sign attacking reinforcements in the summer market given their 2023/24 struggles.

Trincao also worked with Amorim at Braga at the beginning of his career and has made a total of 131 appearances for the current United boss.