Manchester United transfer news: Benfica defender Nelson Semedo set to dash Jose Mourinho’s hopes by signing for Barcelona
The 23-year-old looks set to join the Catalan club in a staggering £43m deal to become Barca's first choice right-back
MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly been knocked back in their efforts to sign Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo with Barcelona closing in on a deal.
The 23-year-old is believed to be moving to the La Liga side for a whopping £43million as they desperately look for a replacement for Dani Alves who left to join Juventus last season.
According to Portuguese sports newspaper , the Catalan club are confident they will have him in their squad next campaign after advanced talks.
Barcelona have eyed up potential deals for Chelsea's star defender Cesar Azpilicueta as well as Arsenal's Spanish full-back Hector Bellerin, but both Premier League clubs are refusing to sell.
Instead they have turned to Semedo who has been heralded as one of the finest defenders in Europe, having chipped in with two goals and six assists in 45 games this season.
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The news will come as a blow for Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho who has been dealt a major blow in his quest to strengthen his back-line.
In January the former Chelsea boss was unable to nab his Benfica team-mate Victor Lindelof to Old Trafford, and it remains to be seen if he will attempt to lure him over to England once again.
Semedo who has two international caps with Portugal to his name, has a release clause of £69million and is tied down at the Estadio da Luz until 2021.