Alvara Fernandez might be set to leave soon see why

Portuguese giants Benfica are interested in signing Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez on a permanent basis during the January transfer window, according to O Jogo

Fernandez was involved for the Red Devils during pre-season, but he was loaned out to Granada after the club secured a temporary deal for Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20-year-old has since played less than 500 minutes for the struggling La Liga outfit and it is now reported that Benfica are exploring a winter deal for the talented left-back.

O Jogo claim that Fernandez is currently valued at around €7 million. Benfica plan to hold talks with United to assess whether they can secure his signature at the start of 2024.

Manager Roger Schmidt is unhappy with his current left-back duo of David Jurasek and Juan Bernat.

United should keep hold of Fernandez in January

Benfica are known for turning emerging players into potential world-beaters. Over the past year, the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Goncalo Ramos have secured big-money moves elsewhere.

They have a good eye for promising talent and their hierarchy seem to be interested in prising away Fernandez. The club could guarantee the youngster with a consistent starting role.

The former Real Madrid graduate has been a regular off the bench at Granada, but he has still won an impressive 61 per cent of his duels with more than two ball recoveries per game.

He definitely has the potential to become a leading left-back in future. His current contract expires in June 2024, but United have the option of extending his stay for another 12 months.

The club should delay the decision over his future until the summer. The best choice would be to recall him from his Granada loan stint and send him on a temporary deal elsewhere for the season

According to O Jogo, Portuguese powerhouse Benfica is interested in permanently signing Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez during the January transfer window.

Despite playing for the Red Devils during the preseason, Fernandez was sent on loan to Granada after the team signed Sergio Reguilon to a short-term contract from Tottenham Hotspur.

Since then, the 20-year-old has played for the struggling La Liga team fewer than 500 minutes, and it has been reported that Benfica is considering a winter transfer for the gifted left-back.

According to O Jogo, Fernandez is presently worth about €7 million. In order to determine whether they can get his signature at the beginning of 2024, Benfica intends to speak with United.

Roger Schmidt, the manager, is not happy with David Jurasek and Juan Bernat, his current left-back combination.

Fernandez is someone United should hold onto in January.

Benfica has a reputation for developing young players into future world champions. Players like Goncalo Ramos and Enzo Fernandez have secured lucrative moves elsewhere during the past year.

They have a keen eye for young talent, and Fernandez appears to be appealing to their hierarchy. The young player could be guaranteed a regular starting position by the club.

Despite starting most of his games off the bench at Granada, the former Real Madrid graduate has won an amazing 61% of his duels with more than two ball recoveries per game.

He undoubtedly possesses the ability to develop into a top left-back in the future. Although his current contract is set to expire in June 2024, United may choose to extend his stay for an additional 12 months.

The club ought to wait until the summer to decide on his future. Recalling him from his loan at Granada and placing him on a temporary contract elsewhere for the season would be the wisest move.