Manchester United Send Delegation to Portugal to Land Sporting Star William Carvalho

Manchester United are reportedly set to beat Chelsea to the signature of Sporting midfielder William Carvalho.

The west London club's manager Jose Mourinho was keen on landing the Portuguese international and has intensified Chelsea's interest. It was believed the Blues were ready to offer £11m a year to the midfielder, while allowing one of their players to join Sporting on loan.

The 22-year-old has long been on United's radar as their former manager David Moyes was interested in signing him this summer. Although the Scot's reign at Old Trafford ended in April, new manager Louis van Gaal has reignited the club's interest.

The Mail, which cites sources in Portugal, claims United have sent their representatives to negotiate a deal to bring the defensive midfielder to Old Trafford this summer.

United's delegation are in Portugal and are now negotiating a deal to bring Carvalho to England. The Primeira Liga outfit are looking for potential suitors to pay £30m for the midfielder's services.

However, United are not willing to meet the player's asking price. They are hoping their past relationship with Sporting, from whom they signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, will help them land Carvalho.

The Sporting star's impressive form last season saw make it to Paulo Bento's squad for the World Cup. However, Portugal were knocked out of the summer tournament and Carvalho admitted that his future at the Portuguese club was uncertain.

"Will I stay at Sporting? I don't know. I'm going back to Portugal and then we'll see," Carvalho told MaisFutebol.

United have already completed deals for Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, who moved to Old Trafford last week from Athletic Bilbao and Southampton respectively. With the Red Devils's representative in Portugal, a deal for Carvalho appears on the cards.