Manchester United, Liverpool 'suffer blow in Pedro Goncalves pursuit'

Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly been handed a blow in their efforts to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Pedro Goncalves.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster has guided Sporting to the Primeira Liga title this season, contributing 23 goals and three assists from 32 appearances.

The 22-year-old has inevitably been linked with a big-money return to English football with United and Liverpool among the clubs interested in the player's signature.

However, Record claims that Sporting are ready to hand their star man a new contract in a bid to retain his services for their appearance in the Champions League group stages.

As well as giving Goncalves a pay-rise, the report claims that the Portuguese's release clause will be increased to £69m.

Should the playmaker accept fresh terms, any transfer away from the Jose Alvalade Stadium would not take place until at least 2022.

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