Benfica boss keeps cards close to his chest when quizzed about Alvaro Fernandez deal

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt kept his cards close to his chest when quizzed about the club working on a deal to sign Manchester United left-back Alvaro Fernandez.

There has been a lot of speculation about the Spain U21 international this week and La Liga outfit Granada, who signed Fernandez on loan at the start of the season, won’t be looking forward to the prospect of losing him midway through the season.

According to HITC, Fernandez is in advanced talks with Benfica to join on a loan-to-buy deal which could eventually earn United almost £9m.

This means United will be cutting short Fernandez’s loan spell at Granada but the club must be considering the fact his contract expires in the summer. So, in theory, now is our best chance to cash in and Benfica are interested in doing a deal.

Benfica boss Schmidt broke his silence on the 20-year-old, but opted against shedding some light on the developing situation.

“About rumours and players who could possibly arrive, I prefer not to comment,” the German said, as per TVI.

Perhaps worrying, there has been little mention of a buy-back or sell-on clause, but we should probably wait on that front. Fernandez is a talented left-back with a bright future yet there’s no guarantees at United.

Luke Shaw isn’t old and there’s already two other full-backs ahead of Fernandez in the pecking order at United.

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