Manchester United 'join race to sign Benfica ace Alex Grimaldo'

Manchester United will rival neighbours Manchester City for the signing of Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo, according to a report.

The Citizens have been heavily linked with the 21-year-old in recent months, although it was recently suggested that they have now cooled their interest in the youngster.

United scouts are said to have watched the former Barcelona star during Benfica's victory over Feirense on Sunday night, with Grimaldo registering in the 4-0 rout via a well-taken free kick in stoppage time.

The Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils will now make an approach for Grimaldo, who has a £51m buyout clause inserted into his contract but will likely be sold on for a lower price should a bid be made.

It is claimed that Juventus, Valencia and Middlesbrough also had scouts present in Lisbon to watch the defender, who joined the Portuguese club from Barcelona in a £1.25m deal at the start of the year.