Manchester United are reportedly plotting a shock winter swoop for Portuguese defender Paulo Oliveira.
According to the Daily Mirror, van Gaal sent scouts to watch the player in action during Sporting’s 2-1 win over Rio Ave on September 19 and are ready to offer £6m to seal his signatures.
Following the injury suffered to Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw, van Gaal is looking to sign a new defender. The Red Devils had to move Utility man Daley Blind to play alongside Chris Smalling this season after missing out on Mats Hummels, Sergio Ramos, and Nicolas Otamendi in the summer.
Now according to Calciomercato, who cite the Mirror, it has been claimed that Dutchman is keen to sign Portuguese international.
Olivera moved to Green and White from Vitoria Guimaraes in 2014 as a replacement for Marcos Rojo. 23-year-old has excelled further development since then. Oliveira made 40 appearances for the Lions in all competition the last term and played full 90 minutes of every game so far this season.
He earned a call-up to Portuguese national side recently. He was recognized as a “star performer” in U21 European Championship this summer by Metro’s Primeira Liga expert Jan Hagen.
The Portuguese capital side is not keen to lose another star to United having lost Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Rojo in the past.
Manchester United have made a good start to their campaign, and the Red Devils lead the league for the first time in two years following 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
