Manchester United Make Contact With Sporting in Signing Arsenal Target William Carvalho

Manchester United are set to rekindle their interest in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho before the deadline day, reports the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford even before the start of the transfer window as the former United manager David Moyes was keen on signing the player. However, Van Gaal's appointment as the Scot's successor has seen the interest in the Portugal international die down.

The Red Devils' league rivals Arsenal are also in the frame for the services of Carvalho. Sporting had earlier rejected the Gunners' bid for their player and are now willing to part ways with the midfielder for £24m, despite the Portuguese star having a £35m release clause in his contract.

United are aware of the competition from Arsene Wenger's side in signing Carvalho. The north London club can provide Champions League football at the Emirates and the Red Devils need to act quickly in order to snap up the midfielder's services.

Van Gaal is keen on Carvalho and has already made contact with the Primeira Liga outfit for the sale of their midfielder as the Dutchman is aware that Sporting have lowered their asking price.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is interested in signing Juventus' star midfielder and long-term United target Arturo Vidal. However, the deal for the Chilean international is taking long and Van Gaal wants to find other alternatives.

The Red Devils manager has made his transfer demands very clear to United vice chairman Ed Woodward, who has the backing of the club owners, the Glazers family in spending bids to bring in players.

United already broke the British record of £59.7m in signing Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid and are now willing to splash the cash on Carvalho. The 20-time English champions already signed Marcos Rojo from Sporting earlier this month.

However, United may face some opposition from Sporting in making a move for Carvalho after having faced complications while signing Rojo. If the Red Devils manage to land the Portuguese midfielder, it will be a blow for Arsenal as Wenger has long been chasing the talented player.