Manchester United are looking to get one over Liverpool and gazump Jurgen Klopp’s side to the signing of Fabio Carvalho this summer.
The Reds had reached an agreement in principle to sign the 19-year-old attacker in January. However, despite a medical being completed, Liverpool were unable to apply the finishing touches before window slammed shut.
Regardless, the widely held belief is Liverpool will actively continue to pursue Carvalho. Indeed, Jurgen Klopp hinted as much when suggesting it makes no sense to give up at the first hurdle.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported further talks with Carvalho have been pencilled in for the back end of February. If both clubs are happy with the previously agreed fee, a pre-contract agreement could be signed to avoid the need for a tribunal in the summer.
However, the Daily Star Sunday reports that Manchester United are ready to launch a late move to hijack the deal.
They recently sent scouts to check on the 19-year-old in the FA Cup tie against Manchester City. And despite a 4-1 thumping, Carvalho caught the eye, scoring the Cottagers’ only goal that day.
Since then, the paper claims United scouts have watched Carvalho twice more over. And they are now planning a huge charm offensive to persuade the England U18s winger to move to Old Trafford.
However, the paper claims luring Carvalho away from Anfield will be far from easy.
Liverpool have deal, clause in place for Fabio Carvalho
As well as already negotiating a fee, the paper claims Liverpool also have a special clause in place for Carvalho.
That states that, in the likely event of promotion, Liverpool will allow Carvalho to return to Craven Cottage on a season’s loan.
Ideally, Fulham would like their player to sign a new deal. However, if he is to walk away, then that deal is seen as the more favourable for Marco Silva’s side.
And the Red Devils would likely need to match the clause – put in place at Klopp’s insistence – if they are to gazump them for Carvalho.
Arsenal, West Ham, Tottenham and Leeds are also keen – but the paper claims Liverpool or United will be his next club.
Pundit tips youngster to head to Anfield
Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan, meanwhile, sees no reason why Carvalho won’t be at Anfield next year.
“Obviously you don’t want to price yourself out of a massive move to a big club,” Whelan stated.
“Yes, he’s young, yes, he’s got talent but you do not want to price yourself out of that dream move to Liverpool. To me, it seems like that is not going to be dead. That’s going to carry on and that deal, in my opinion, will be done.”
Whelan continued: “I think it’s just a matter of time. Obviously they couldn’t dot the i’s and cross the t’s during the January transfer window.
“But I’d be very surprised if this deal doesn’t get sorted out come the summer or a pre-arrangement. Liverpool want him, he seems to want to go.”
READ MORE: Carragher sends ominous warning to Leeds as Liverpool priorities are ranked
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