Monaco 'to rival Manchester United for William Carvalho'

Manchester United could face competition from big-spending Monaco in their quest to sign highly-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, according to reports.

At the weekend, it had been claimed that the Red Devils had met the release clause for the 21-year-old midfielder as David Moyes seemed set to seal his first major signing for next season.

However, Inside Futbol has suggested that the Ligue 1 outfit are hoping to use their connections to Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes to secure Carvalho's services.

It is thought that the prospect of Champions League football at Monaco and the lack of European competition for United may count against the Premier League champions.

Monaco have already signed Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez, both of whom are represented by Mendes.