Manchester United 'reach gentlemen's agreement' with Benfica for much-coveted prospect Renato Sanches

Manchester United have reached a "gentlemen's agreement" with Benfica for the services of the coveted midfielder Renato Sanches, according to Record. The Portuguese publication says the two clubs have already agreed the framework of the deal, and are now discussing the final fee estimated at around €40m (£31.5m, $43.9m) plus €20m in add-ons.

The 18-year-old midfielder is one of Europe's hottest prospects on the back of his performances in Portugal, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus all understood to be tracking him.

Local newspaper O Jogo reported during the January transfer window that the Premier League giants tried to secure the player's services with an initial offer of €30m that could possibly rise to €40m with add-ons. Benfica opted to hold on to the starlet, but reports about his potential move away have re-emerged in recent weeks.

Earlier this month The Sun reported that the Red Devils were confident of getting his services in the summer if they appoint Jose Mourinho as their next manager, as the Portuguese coach shares an agent with Sanches, Jorge Mendes.

AS later reported that Real Madrid had also identified the Portuguese midfielder as a priority, but confirmed the La Liga giants could lose the battle to United as he is a specific target for Mourinho. The Spanish publication added that United and Juventus scouts were present for a Portuguese league clash between Benfica and Porto to check out coveted starlet, with the Premier League giants planning a €40m move with another €20m in add-ons to get pen to paper.

Record now suggests that the transfer saga is over as United have reached a "gentlemen's agreement" with Benfica to secure the player's services at the end of the season.

The Portuguese publication confirms that there is a €40m bid plus another €20m being discussed and that "Renato has already packed his suitcase to move to Manchester United". However, the final fee is not yet agreed as Benfica are urging United to increase the €40m upfront fee and reduce the add-ons.

One way or another it looks that Benfica's intention is to make Renato Sanches their record sale ever, beating the €40m they got from Zenit Saint Petersburg for Axel Witsel in 2012.